White Coat Hypertension: Elevated BP in the Clinic
Ever notice your blood pressure skyrockets at the doctor’s office but reads fine at home? That’s not your imagination — it’s called white coat hypertension, and it affects up to 30% of people diagnosed with high blood pressure.
What Is White Coat Hypertension?
White coat hypertension happens when your blood pressure rises temporarily in medical settings due to stress or anxiety. It can lead to false diagnoses, unnecessary medications, or missed treatment opportunities if not properly assessed.
Why It Matters
Some patients truly have normal blood pressure — but get medicated due to in-office readings.
Others may have masked hypertension — normal in the clinic but high the rest of the time.
White coat hypertension may still carry long-term cardiovascular risks, especially if left unmanaged.
How to Know If It's Real
Use a home blood pressure cuff (validated device, arm-based)
Record readings twice daily for 1–2 weeks
Compare with in-office results
Consider ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) if available
How to Reduce Stress Before a BP Reading
Arrive early, sit quietly for 5 minutes
Don’t talk during the measurement
Keep both feet flat on the floor
Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes prior
Tactical Takeaway
If you're tracking high at the clinic but normal at home, speak up. Good medicine starts with good data — and one high reading doesn’t always mean you need a prescription.
Medical Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before starting any new health regimen or interpreting lab results. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
