How serious is white coat hypertension?

August 26th, 2008 | by Pressurized |
Faye H asked:


I get really nervous when I get my blood pressure checked sometimes and it’ll sometimes shoot up to 180/100, but when I’m calm its normal, should I be worried?

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  1. 3 Responses to “How serious is white coat hypertension?”

  2. By Pink Jasmine on Aug 26, 2008 | Reply

    The only thing that you should be worried about is the problems associated with the doctor not being able to diagnose problems when they arise. White coat hypertension can affect other things too, like your body temperature. You may want to get to the doctor and ask them if you can lay down on the bed in the room with the lights dimmed for 15 minutes before they come in. It might help a lot. But it only lasts a while so it shouldn’t be doing any type of serious damage to your heart or anything. You could also try just going into clinics now and then, when you don’t have an appointment. This way you can begin to feel more comfortable around doctors and that environment. Also, you may want to seek some help from a counselor too. They have techniques that can help you to overcome white coat hypertension.

  3. By haggerpotter on Aug 27, 2008 | Reply

    i think if you feel worried you should invest in a blood pressure moniter. this way you can check your blood pressure out of the doctors office and you will have a more accurante reading. blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day (esp in the morning AND at the doctors office — double wammy). if your are normal when you are going about your day then you are most likely fine. but go by what doctor says

  4. By NurseRee-Nay on Aug 29, 2008 | Reply

    Everyone has a little white coat hypertension. I’ve never known ANYONE to be treated for it. Basically it’s your body’s fight or flight response. You’re scared is all. White coat hypertension isn’t a disease. It’s a temporary reaction to a temporary situation.

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