White coat hypertension is a condition that happens when a patient has high blood pressure levels when they are in health care settings and normal blood pressure levels at home. Some people have anxiety when they are in the hospital or any healthcare setting and when their blood pressure readings are taken, it is high as a result of this anxiety but normal at home. It is also known as white coat syndrome. This syndrome is very real. It can be dangerous because people with white coat hypertension may present with higher blood pressure readings than those who don’t have this syndrome.

WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION?

• Women

• Adults older than 50 years of age

• People already living with hypertension

• People that are obese

SYMPTOMS OF WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION

You feel nervous when you go to the hospital or any healthcare setting. This nervousness worsens when you are taken to the exam room to check your blood pressure. 

CAUSES OF WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION

The body has a response called ‘fight or flight’ when it senses danger. If your body responds to you checking your blood pressure and being concerned about the results, it will activate this reaction when you enter a hospital or healthcare setting and get your blood pressure checked. 

HOW CAN WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION BE DIAGNOSED?

If you have had at least higher than normal blood pressure readings at the hospital or any healthcare setting but report normal blood pressure reading from your at-home readings, your doctor may diagnose you with white coat hypertension syndrome. 

HOW CAN I TREAT WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION?

You must get your blood pressure monitor to take your blood pressure readings at home. If you don’t have one, go to your pharmacy to purchase a monitor.

Check your blood pressure regularly.

Help yourself to feel more relaxed when you are at the hospital or any healthcare setting. The following tips might help:

• Relax for up to 5 minutes before going into the hospital. You can catch your breath in the car park or at the reception or waiting area.

• Start small talk with your examiner to feel more comfortable.

• Let your examiner know you are anxious so they can initiate conversations that can help you stay calm.

• Don’t drink, smoke, run or exercise for up to an hour before your appointment.

• Establish a good relationship with a doctor or nurse and have them check your blood pressure when you visit.

You might need to make some lifestyle changes such as:

• Reduce your salt intake.

• Avoid tobacco products

• Lose weight 

• Exercise regularly

Your doctor might prescribe medicines if you have other cardiovascular conditions. 

Make sure to check your blood pressure regularly. This is the only way to know if you have white-coat hypertension. Check with your pharmacist to see if your blood pressure monitor is still working properly. Ensure you send your readings to your doctor so that your medical records can be updated.

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