My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
SBethSUCCESS!
SBeth
Q.

Went to donate blood, my b/p was 179/112.....DEVASTATED., what all of a sudden makes your b/p elevate like that?

I have not had any issues with my B/P before, so when they told me it was 179/112, I was absolutely on the floor. I am terrified of stroke.

 

I called my doc immediately as they advised, and doc said, since I felt ok, to monitor it over the weekend and if it stays elevated like that to go to Emergency/Urgent care. Well, I took a half of a Lorazepam and went to bed. Saturday am it was 129/88, continued to get higher during day. Sunday am, 150/96. Am I in danger of stroke? Really terrified of that.

Related Topics: Stroke, Blood Donation
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Elizabeth HanesElizabeth HanesSUCCESS!
Elizabeth Hanes
General Medicine
Nursing
976 Answers
7,013 Helpful Votes
111 Followers
A.
Well, anxiety is one thing that can raise your blood pressure. So, you may be caught in kind of a strange loop here: The fact you're anxious about having high blood pressure may be causing your blood pressure to go up.

Of course, chronic high blood pressure isn't caused merely by anxiety. Nervousness can cause a temporary spike in pressure, such as what you saw when you went to donate blood. This type of nervous system response is called "white coat hypertension."

If you continue to monitor your blood pressure at home a couple of times a day and it remains elevated (consistently above 140/90), then I'd suggest making an appointment to see your doctor. You probably are not in danger of an imminent stroke if your blood pressure is slightly elevated, but your medical provider will be very happy you caught this quickly so it can be treated if necessary.

Meanwhile, try to relax and just live your normal life. Maybe a little less stress will bring that blood pressure right back down.

Best wishes to you!

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

2 of 2 found this helpful
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

What diseases can be treated with apheresis? Next Question