High Blood Pressure Reading May Be Caused By This Unexpected Factor

This condition is very difficult to spot because it seldom produces any noticeable symptoms. Knowing that you have it, however, is vital as it can potentially heighten the risk of several serious and life-threatening medical problems like stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Having your blood pressure checked regularly is the best way to find out if you are suffering from the condition. Through this, you may also become aware of its cause. The problem for some is their high reading may have been caused by where they had their blood pressure readings checked.

The White Coat Syndrome

Whitecoat hypertension or syndrome occurs when your blood pressure shoots up when taken in a medical setting, such as in a hospital or clinic. The term white coat refers to the suit traditionally donned on by physicians.

According to Blood Pressure UK, your blood pressure is not immobile as it rises and falls throughout the entire 24 hours. It rises and falls in response to the activities you do and things that happen around you.

The white coat syndrome usually occurs because you are wary about having your blood pressure checked by a nurse or a doctor. Most people tend to become tenser in medical settings as compared to surroundings familiar to them. Such feelings, however, are rarely noticed.

The effect of a white coat checking your body can cause the blood pressure of some people to go up. Feeling very wary causes your systolic blood pressure to rise by around 30mmHg. This makes it difficult for your physician to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading.

The white coat effect can happen to anyone. This is why many people prefer to have their blood pressure measured at home to ensure they get accurate readings.

You can also monitor your blood pressure throughout the entire 24 hours. This allows you to see a clearer picture of the changes throughout the day.

Do It At Home Instead

If you believe the white coat syndrome has somehow affected your blood pressure readings, it might be better to have it checked by you or your loved one at home. This is because those who suffer from white coat syndromes may develop high blood pressure over time if they continue getting their pressures checked in a medical setting.

Blood Pressure the UK, however, also said it is important to have your blood pressure checked by a medical professional perhaps every six to twelve months. This allows you to take appropriate actions that will help lower your pressure in case it starts rising. The health body also advises that you speak to your doctors about white coat hypertension to see what can be done about it.