White Coat Hypertension: Is it Really High Blood Pressure?

Is it really high blood pressure or is it the white coat? White coat hypertension is a term that refers to high blood pressure (HBP) when you visit your doctor or other health care provider.  It is normal during other times.  Are you really hypertensive if this is the case?  Do you really need the DASH diet and medication?

High blood pressure is defined as three consecutive blood pressure readings at or above 140/90, or one reading above 160/100.  These readings are most commonly obtained when you visit your doctor which can be from one time to several times a year.  Needless to say the preparation and anxiety that go with doctor's appointments is enough to make any one's blood pressure go up normally! Getting ready and getting there can surely create this effect, but is this enough to make a diagnosis of high blood pressure when your blood pressure checks weekly or daily are normal?

HBP monitoring by patients outside the doctor's office may prove that white coat hypertension is what it is.  Normal readings outside the health setting in your everyday environment are more accurate and real. By tracking your own blood pressure at home you may find that your blood pressure is normal most of the time.  You can also see what makes it abnormal, too, and avoid or decrease these things. If it stays consistently high without white coats, treatment with diet and medicine may be indicated.

Best health!