For example, temporary high blood pressure can occur if you're nervous, or if the arm cuff is too small. Talking during the procedure can also alter the results. To rule out these possibilities, your doctor will probably want to follow up with a second test at another time. In any case, it's a good idea to have a doctor evaluate your health in general. And you're correct to mention your weight as another factor that could contribute to high blood pressure.
Statistics show that about one-third of patients with high blood pressure are also overweight.
Ask your physician to help you develop a plan to reduce the risk factors you can control. Uncontrolled hypertension puts you at an increased risk for heart problems, stroke, and blood vessel damage in your kidneys, brain, and eyes. Fortunately, you've been alerted to this potential problem early enough to keep it in check. Good luck, Susan Toms Our staff of experts includes a physician, nurse, dietitian, exercise physiologist, and health educator, who can answer your questions about everything from chiropractic and alternative health, to fitness and nutrition. Click here to read their full bios .