Sunday, May 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 Lauren asks

Q: Random high blood pressure?

I usually have normal blood pressure. 110-120/70-80. But we had a 'health risk assessment' today at work and mine was 156/98. Is this the fault of the machine? Or do I need to be concerned? I hadn't eaten breakfast because they were also taking blood for testing. Could this also be a factor?

 

Thanks,

Lauren

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Answers (1)
Martin Cane, M.D., Health Pro
12/ 3/08 8:01pm

Lauren,

 

Thanks for your question.

 

Fasting for the morning should not really affect your pressure to any significant degree.  It could have been a faulty reading for some reason, or you may have been nervous at that time, without even realizing it.

 

The safest and best thing that you can do is make an appointment with your primary care physician to have your pressure checked.  If it is normal, then this was just an isolated reading, or an error.  If it is high, then he/she will know what steps are needed to follow you.  This can range from simple observation over time, to startin medication and watching your progress.

 

Don't delay.  You should see your doctor soon.

 

Best wishes.

 

Martin Cane, M.D.

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By Lauren— Last Modified: 12/15/10, First Published: 12/03/08