White coat hypertension, also known as white coat syndrome, is a condition where a patient’s blood pressure is higher when taken in a medical setting than it is in other places, such as at home. The term received its name from the white coats that healthcare professionals traditionally wear.

The Potential Causes

The effects of white coat hypertension may be seen in people who experience anxiety in a doctor’s office or hospital. This type of stress may lead to elevated blood pressure readings during a health check-up or visit.

This situation may be more common than some people realize. Research demonstrates that between 15 and 30 percent of people with high blood pressure at the doctor's office might be affected by white coat hypertension.

And perhaps more seriously, white coat hypertension may double the risk for cardiovascular disease compared with normal blood pressure.

Tips for Dealing with White Coat Hypertension

If you or your healthcare professional suspects that you may be suffering from white coat syndrome, you may benefit from measuring your blood pressure at home.

Take these steps to determine your risk of white coat syndrome:

• Take your blood pressure regularly at home in a calm setting

• Measure blood pressure at the same time under the same conditions for several weeks

• Record the data each time

• Bring the information to your next medical appointment

• Review the blood pressure readings that you took at home with your doctor and compare it to those done in a medical environment

This process will be beneficial in making an accurate diagnosis. It can help determine if you are suffering from hypertension and require medication, or if the issue is confined to the white coat syndrome.

Treating White Coat Hypertension

Although there is no known cure for white coat hypertension, frequent measuring of blood pressure levels at home or in a quiet location can help.

Results done away from medical surroundings can be evaluated with the readings done in the doctor’s office to assess the presence of white coat syndrome.

It is essential to analyze if high blood pressure only occurs in a medical facility or if it's a continuous condition that needs treatment. If not identified, white coat hypertension may lead to overtreatment in patients that may not require medication therapy.

Quality Monitoring is Important

Home blood pressure monitoring should be always done with a medically validated device such as Alcedo Health Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor.

This model with advanced features makes it easy and simple to take an accurate measurement anytime and anywhere. It also allows for storage of up to 120 readings for added convenience.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing unusual blood pressure levels, home monitoring with a high-quality device may help.

The following is a guideline for blood pressure readings. Always consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medications or therapies.