Today, at work, I noticed symptoms of hot flash and racing heart. It came on suddenly as I was doing nothing to increase this anxious feeling. Decided to have the nurse check my blood pressure and it was 176/96. Three minutes later, the symptoms subsided somewhat and had her take my blood pressure again, 170/90. It was heading down. A little over an hour later, took it again, 160/88. I am sure had I taken it again a short time later, it would have been normal. I don't understand the labile hypertension and the effect it can have and would like some answers from other women who may have experienced this. I understand that medication should be started if the blood pressure is constantly elevated but I am sure not with it being once in a while elevated. Thank you.

I take my b/p quite often - bought a home kit. When I feel like it is increasing, I take it. I think the worst it has been was 135 over 90. My normal b/p ranges around 112/70. You should have your blood pressured monitored on a regular basis to see if it is indeed high, and if so your doctor can prescribe a med for it. 160 sounds a little high to me, but I don't know that much about it. Anxiety can certainly make it go a little higher; a year ago I went to the clinic for 'chest discomfort' and I was definitely anxious at the time, ended up in the hospital for 24 hours for a 'possible' heartattack. The EKG showed 'soft changes' and my blood pressure was 136/110. Turned out it was not a H/A, THANK GOD, but acid reflux. They don't take any chances however, when the b/p and EKG show changes.
I wonder too, if a hot flash can increase blood pressure? Do you think you were having a flash? Make yourself feel better and have your doc give you a work-up. If for nothing else, a good piece of mind! good luck!
HUG!