>Really? We had it drummed into us that BP varies significantly and can be elevated by posture, eating, stress, visits to the doctor, time of day, exercise, etc etc. These doctors you refer to - where were they trained, and how did you deduce that their approach is driven by ignorance about the obvious rather than some other cause?

Regular medical schools here, 5 year course plus one year residence... they generally know that the pressure is variable, they just refuse to believe the variation happened while you were waiting, nor the size of it. They measure a high value and immediately go on a rant about your diet. They just don't appreciate how far it can jump when you see six people in a row jumping the line by virtue of private connections or just plain bribe - and when you're next the doctor takes a break. Serbian anthem is "God, justice"... people are sensitive and adrenaline is free.