What is White Coat Hypertension?
White Coat Hypertension is the term given to blood pressure that elevates itself higher than usual when a doctor takes one's blood pressure. It's thought this phenomenon happens due to patients becoming anxious about receiving bad news when visiting their doctor in a clinical setting.
Because of this, we recommend you take your own blood pressure readings, at the same time at home every day, when you are relaxed. This way an accurate pattern can be established and the information can be shared with your doctor when you next go for a check up.
We think the best time to take your reading is when you wake up in the morning before getting out of bed. This way you can compare your daily readings knowing the circumstances are the same each time and you'll be comparing 'apples with apples' so to speak. It's also recommended to take a second reading every evening and to compare the evening readings with previous readings to establish a pattern.
*This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s medical advice and seek medical help when necessary.