Re:Doctors Have Been Measuring Blood Pressure All Wrong, Stu...
by taneq on Monday September 11, 2023 @06:56PM
(#37474815)
It’s called white coast hypertension, I don’t think of myself as particularly nervous but I get this too. I’ve had blood pressure readings in various medicals etc. from 145-160/90, and endured several stern lectures about salt and exercise and alcohol. Finally did a 24 hour ambulatory test and I’m < 130/60 or something in a non-clinical setting.
After this experience I did some reading and as far as I can tell, blood pressure is the least consistent, least rigorous test you can do in mainstream medicine. The “normal” range spans ~10mmHg and yet readings can vary by 10-20mmHg according to each of: stress level, standing up in the last 15 mins, recently having a drink of water (as you do in a doctor’s waiting room), whether your legs are crossed, etc. Without controlling for all of these (which is almost never done properly) they might as well be reading your tea leaves.
After this experience I did some reading and as far as I can tell, blood pressure is the least consistent, least rigorous test you can do in mainstream medicine. The “normal” range spans ~10mmHg and yet readings can vary by 10-20mmHg according to each of: stress level, standing up in the last 15 mins, recently having a drink of water (as you do in a doctor’s waiting room), whether your legs are crossed, etc. Without controlling for all of these (which is almost never done properly) they might as well be reading your tea leaves.