Hypertension

Hiya

Anyone else suffer from white coat syndrome

[jrcnpg]

White coat is not an illness or disease, it is a term that doctors use to explain unexpected high blood pressure readings. The reasoning behind it is that you are 'nervous' when seeing the doctor and s/he will note that down. Sometimes your doctor will take your blood pressure for a second time to see if it is any different. Ideally, buy yourself a blood pressure monitor and keep a record of your blood pressure at home where there is no 'white coat' distraction.

John

[A_fi_bR]

It seems white coat syndrome can work the other way as well. I personally feel no fear at visiting my GP. Several times I had BP checked at GP by the nurse and also the GP; routinely btw as part of some other minor ailment usually, to be told each time that it was a little elevated and must be white coat syndrome. Turns out it was hypertension and, my guess is that because it was left over a long period of time (several years?) I got an enlarged heart. Thank goodness we did finally catch it but I’m always wondering whether it could have been diagnosed earlier.

[sarahshapiro11375]

I think its just a doctor's code.

[Tedbear42]

Most GPS do not know how, or don’t have the time to take your blood pressure properly. Don’t rely on the one reading they take. Ideally your pressure should be taken 3 times, once sitting down, once lying down and then again when sat up. A proper examination should take at least 15 minutes. White coat syndrome is just a lazy way of saying, “ we don’t know”.

Buy your own monitor, on that goes round your biceps and check it yourself at various times of the day. Much more accurate then 2 minutes n the GPS surgery.