White Coat Blood Pressure Syndrome

According to WebMD, white coat blood pressure syndrome occurs when a patient's blood pressure is higher in the doctor's office than when the patient measures his blood pressure in other places. Studies suggest 10 to 20 percent of patients experience this syndrome.

Causes

• The causes of white coat blood pressure syndrome are not known, but it is speculated that negative medical experiences and conditioned anxiety may cause a patient's blood pressure to rise.

Diagnosis

• White coat blood pressure can be diagnosed by consistently taking blood pressure readings outside of the doctor's office. This can be done by using an electronic monitor for two weeks during certain hours of the day or a portable 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor.

Treatment

• No known treatments for white coat blood pressure exist, but relaxation techniques such as deep breathing in and out through the nose may help reduce the blood pressure during a doctor's visit.

Risks

• According to a recent study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, white coat blood pressure and masked hypertension can be a precursor to long-term sustained hypertension. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Conclusion

• Patients with consistently high blood pressure readings in and out of the doctor's office should consult their doctors on how best to treat their hypertension.