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Contents
  • Understanding White Coat Hypertension
  • What is Masked Hypertension?
  • Who is at Risk?

Is Your Blood Pressure Hiding a Secret?

Is Your Blood Pressure Hiding a Secret?

What's This About?

Discover how your blood pressure readings might not be telling the whole story and what it means for your health.
Contents
  • Understanding White Coat Hypertension
  • What is Masked Hypertension?
  • Who is at Risk?

Understanding White Coat Hypertension

White coat hypertension occurs when your blood pressure reads high in a doctor's office but normal elsewhere. This can happen due to anxiety during medical visits. While it may seem harmless, it could signal a risk of developing true hypertension in the future. Monitoring your blood pressure outside the clinic is crucial to get a clear picture of your heart health.

What is Masked Hypertension?

Masked hypertension is the opposite of white coat hypertension; your blood pressure appears normal at the doctor's office but is high at home. This condition can be a silent threat since it often goes undetected and increases the risk of cardiovascular issues. Regular out-of-office monitoring is essential for uncovering masked hypertension.
Hypertension involves elevated blood pressure that can lead to serious cardiovascular risks. Understanding white coat and masked hypertension is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Who is at Risk?

Certain groups are more prone to these hidden blood pressure conditions. White coat hypertension is more common in older adults, women, and those close to diagnostic thresholds. Masked hypertension is often found in men and individuals with conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea. Knowing if you're at risk can help you take proactive steps.

FAQs

What is white coat hypertension?

It's when your blood pressure is high at the doctor's but normal elsewhere.

What is masked hypertension?

It's when your blood pressure is normal at the doctor's but high elsewhere.

Who should be concerned about white coat hypertension?

Older adults, women, and those near diagnostic thresholds.

Is masked hypertension dangerous?

Yes, it increases the risk of cardiovascular issues.

How can these conditions be detected?

Through regular out-of-office blood pressure monitoring.

The Bottom Line

Could your blood pressure be hiding something important?
Talk with Doctronic to see if your blood pressure readings are telling the whole truth.
Additional References
  1. Sheppard JP, Fletcher B, Gill P, et al. Predictors of the Home-Clinic Blood Pressure Difference: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Hypertens 2016; 29:614.
  2. Carey RM, Calhoun DA, Bakris GL, et al. Resistant Hypertension: Detection, Evaluation, and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension 2018; 72:e53.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.