"White coat syndrome"

[powerhourcoug]

I recently had my doctor's physical to complete my conditional offer of employment pre-employment process.

Usually my BP is in the 120/80 range (sometimes 115/75), even when going to the doctor. Well, this time my initial pressure was up to 150/90. After a little relaxing it was down to 138/88, but I still felt a little amped up (this is the FINAL step in the process - if we pass we're officially hired). Pulse was OK.

I have no cardiac history whatsoever, no history of HBP. I have NO family history of ANY medical issues whatsoever either. Really no medical history either (sans a broken ankle in 2001). Non smoker/tobacco user, non drinker. Excercise (cardio and crossfit) 4-6 times/week.

Took the stress/treadmill test. Afterwards I asked the doc (who signs off on us) how the stress test went, he said it was fine. I asked about the BP - and explained it was WAY above my normal level, and he said he didn't think it would be a problem - that my stress level more than likely contributed to a good part of it, and offered me a congratulations on my new job. We get our results in a week.

As far as I know, I passed all other components (hearing, vision, history, etc) of the exam. But for whatever reason I'm still wigged out about my HBP during the exam. I know I got it back down below hypertension level (140/90) and the doc said I was fine...what gives???

Or am I just being paranoid because this is the last step of the process?????

Thanks -

PHC

[CaptBob]

Or am I just being paranoid because this is the last step of the process?????

"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you!"

With the stresses of trying to put things together to get a fire job this is not uncommon. It could be White Coat Syndrome where your BP elevates when you’re at the doctors office. The doc probably recognized the situation. Had he really been concerned he would have had you go for a walk, come back, lay down for a while and take your BP again.

If the results come back with elevated BP, go to the highest level specialist in this field (a household name) in your area and have him evaluate you for your BP. If he finds you fit for duty have him give you a letter. Request a second opinion and submit your letter.

"Captain Bob" www.eatstress.com

[Drjmilus]

For 3 days before the BP check/physical, avoid salt, alcohol, and coffee.
I find that any of the 3 of those can significantly raise my bloos pressure- even in small amounts.

Dr. Jen
www.fireagility.com

[powerhourcoug]

I surmise it's not going to be an issue.

By the time the doc (who doe the final pass/fail) got to checking my BP it was already below hypertension levels (138/88 - one of the nurses did my initial BP). I specifically asked him if it would be an issue; he said it wouldn't and that he wasn't worried about it, and congratulated me.

He also said my anxiety definitely had a factor in my BP being so high - he clearly knew that if I had hypertension as a medical problem it wouldn't have started to drop over the course of my exam.

So...I'm not going to lose any sleep over it!

[powerhourcoug]

...passed with flying colors.

Academy time!

[CaptBob]

...passed with flying colors.

Academy time!

Alright!!!!

"Captain Bob" www.eatstress.com

[powerhourcoug]

Thanks for the individual coaching BTW (I did a session w/ Rob in February 2007).

It made a difference.

PHC