How Can I Prevent High Blood Pressure Spikes?

— -- Question: My blood pressure occasionally spikes to a very high value. I get scared when this happens and have gone to the Emergency Room several times. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Answer: There are a few people that have what we call labile hypertension -- meaning that their blood pressure intermittently spikes to fairly high levels. Usually it's due to emotional circumstances -- stress, anxiety or certain things that may be psychological. Generally speaking, you probably should just relax when that happens. Be sure your doctor knows about it, because he or she may suggest some type of medication that may help to avoid those spikes.

But if you haven't been evaluated by a doctor and your blood pressure spikes like that, I think you should be evaluated by your doctor and see if you need to be on medications on a chronic or regular basis.