Is it correct to have blood pressure checked after eating?
Patient: I took my blood pressure shortly after eating.  It read 148 over 73 with a pulse of 63.  I am a 51 year old female.  Is it not good to have your blood pressure read after eating and is this a high reading?  I haven't had my reading in a year or so because usually it reads 118 over 78. Doctor: Hello!Thank you for asking on HCM!Regarding your concern, I would explain that these values of blood pressure are above the normal ranges and may be indicative for possible arterial hypertension. It is not common to have high blood pressure after eating. I would recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination, a resting ECG, a chest x ray study and some blood lab tests : - complete blood count- fasting glucose- kidney and liver function tests- blood electrolytes- thyroid hormone levels- cortisol plasma levels, etc. to exclude other possible secondary causes related to high blood pressure. You should closely monitor your blood pressure different times during the day (in sitting position, 15 minutes after total relax) and refer these values to your doctor. Some lifestyle modifications are helpful to reduce blood pressure: - a balanced diet (low salt and caffeine intake)- a lot of physical activity (walking 4 km per day is recommended)- lose weight if your are overweight. Hope to have been helpful!Best regards, Dr. Iliri