Blood pressure readings can sometimes vary in different settings. If your blood pressure tends to be high only when measured by a doctor or nurse, you may be experiencing a condition known as white coat hypertension.

Understanding White Coat Hypertension

Have you ever noticed an occurence when your blood pressure spike as you were examined at a hospital, even though it usually falls within the normal range?

There are several factors that can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure during medical visits. This phenomenon is called white coat hypertension or white coat syndrome. The term was first introduced in 1983, referring to the white coats commonly worn by doctors during examinations.

In healthy adults, normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. However, individuals with white coat hypertension may experience a rise in blood pressure to around 140/90 mmHg or slightly above when in a clinical setting. Once they leave the hospital or clinic, their blood pressure typically drops back to below 130/80 mmHg.

Is White Coat Hypertension a Cause for Concern?

Although white coat hypertension does not necessarily indicate a chronic high blood pressure condition, it should not be taken lightly. According to Cleveland Clinic, individuals over 60 years old who experience white coat hypertension have twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to those without this condition.

This risk increases significantly for individuals with additional factors such as diabetes or a history of heart attack.

Furthermore, people who frequently experience white coat hypertension may be more prone to developing sustained hypertension in the future. A study known as PAMELA, conducted in 2009, found that 46.9% of individuals with white coat hypertension eventually progressed to persistent hypertension later in life.

Experts suggest that experiencing elevated blood pressure due to white coat syndrome could indicate a prehypertensive state—an intermediate stage between normal blood pressure and chronic hypertension. In this sense, white coat hypertension serves as an early warning sign for potential long-term high blood pressure risks.

Causes of White Coat Hypertension

Several factors are believed to contribute to white coat hypertension, including:

• Anxiety about test results
• Nervousness when visiting a doctor
• Stress from work or personal issues
• Inconsistent use of prescribed blood pressure medications
• Consumption of certain foods before the test (e.g., caffeine or high-sodium foods)

Additionally, other variables such as the timing of the measurement, lack of rest, fatigue, surrounding noise levels, and emotional state at the time of the check-up can also influence blood pressure readings.

Managing White Coat Hypertension

For individuals whose blood pressure rises in a clinical setting, doctors typically recommend taking a moment to relax before rechecking blood pressure. If the reading remains high, the doctor may suggest monitoring blood pressure at home for more accurate results.

You can also request to have your blood pressure taken in a quieter room to reduce anxiety and ensure a more precise measurement. To ease tension, doctors often engage patients in casual conversation to help them feel more comfortable during the check-up.

White coat hypertension is a genuine condition that affects many individuals. While it may not always be harmful, in some cases, it could indicate prehypertension. If you are uncertain about your blood pressure readings, consulting a doctor for further evaluation is highly recommended.

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