White Coat Hypertension
- chhoyjessica
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By: Jessica Chhoy
What is it?:
White coat hypertension is a condition where a patient's blood pressure is higher than normal in healthcare settings, but is normal at home.
Why is it a Concern?:
An inaccurate blood pressure reading can lead to a patient receiving medication that is not necessary. Taking unnecessary medications can lead to many side effects and the potential of damaging certain organs. Specifically, a patient can damage their liver or kidneys as unnecessary medications can be overwhelming to the body. Additionally, some side effects that a patient may get from taking unnecessary medications can include stomach pain, allergic reactions, and constipation or diarrhea. Although medication is known to solve our health-related problems, it can make us feel worse if we take it without actually needing it.
How Common is it?:
There are certain circumstances where a person may be more likely to have white coat hypertension such as if they...
Are older than 50
Are female
Have obesity
Were recently diagnosed with high blood pressure
White coat hypertension affects 15-30% of people who have high blood pressure, but people without high blood pressure can still be affected.
Symptoms and Causes:
Symptoms:
Nervous feeling when in a healthcare provider's office, which feeling gets worse as you go into the exam room and the provider takes your blood pressure
Causes:
Anxiety
Stress
First impression of healthcare setting
Diagnosis:
White coat hypertension is often accurately diagnosed with an at-home blood pressure monitoring machine that is put on the patient's arm for 24 hours. By doing this, the provider will be able to analyze the patient's blood pressure levels throughout the day and compare if the measurements are high in a healthcare setting vs. at home.
Management:
Healthcare providers will often recommended strategies to help manage white coat hypertension as medication isn't necessarily needed.
Strategies:
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and practicing mindfulness
Open communication by discussing concerns the patient may have with the healthcare provider
References:
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
