Diseases

White Coat Hypertension

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A temporary elevation in a patient's blood pressure that occurs when measured in a medical setting (as a physician's office) and that is usually due to anxiety on the part of the patient — called also white coat effect.

SYMPTOMS

It can be reduced (but not eliminated) with automated blood pressure measurements over 15 to 20 minutes in a quiet part of the office or clinic. Patients with White coat hypertension do not exhibit the signs indicative of trepidation and their increased blood pressure is often not accompanied by tachycardia.

CAUSES

White coat hypertension occurs when the blood pressure readings at your doctor's office are higher than they are in other settings, such as your home. It's called white coat hypertension because the health care professionals who measure your blood pressure sometimes wear white coats.