A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I have been taking the contraceptive pill (mycogon30) for about 2 years with no problems, the last few times ive been to the doctors to get it, my blood pressure has been high, i think its because im nervous about going to the doctors and asking for it, and i always feel very aprehensive while im waiting,i can feel myself getting hotter and my heart beating faster and then my blood pressure is too high. The previous times it has come down enough to issue me, but last time it did not and because she kept taking it i was getting more panicked and making it worse! How can i combat this 'white coat' syndrome?!?! Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, C. Grant  +, writes (8 June 2011):
 I can't say I know how it is in the UK, but in Canada it's common for pharmacies (chemist shops) to have a blood pressure machine -- a little cubicle where you sit down and put your arm in a cuff and have the machine register your blood pressure. If they're so common here you must have them there, no? Since they're situated in a non-threatening place, and there's no one looking over your shoulder, you get away from the whole "white coat" thing.
My doctor monitors my blood pressure, but asks that I visit these machines often between visits because blood pressure changes so much during the day and over time. If you can find one, visit at times when you're not stressed and give the readings to your doctor. It will give a far better indication, and help get around the whole 'white coat' thing.
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