Going to the doctor made 76-year-old Margaret nervous. Although she was generally in good health, she was getting older and knew that many health problems became more common with age. Her nervousness always caused a rise in her blood pressure. When the nurse would take her blood pressure at the beginning of the appointment, it was always high. At the end of the appointment, the nurse would re-check her blood pressure and find that it was normal again. The nurse jokingly told her she had “white coat hypertension.”
White coat hypertension is often spoken about in a joking manner. As a result, it’s often not taken seriously, and most people think it’s harmless. The truth is, it could be more dangerous than you think.
What Is White Coat Hypertension?
People who have white coat hypertension experience higher blood pressure in the doctor’s office. When they go home and check it again, or if it’s checked again at the end of the appointment, blood pressure is normal again. The name comes from the fact that doctors often wear a white jacket while in the office. Experts once believed that the condition was caused by the patient being nervous in the doctor’s office and was harmless.
About 15 to 30 percent of people with higher than normal blood pressure readings in the doctor’s office have white coat hypertension. It is true that the anxiety a person feels when in a medical office can cause their blood pressure to rise. However, the condition isn’t necessarily harmless.
Is It Dangerous?
Though doctors once believed white coat hypertension wasn’t any cause for worry, more recent information suggests that it does raise the risk for developing more serious health problems, including long-term hypertension. It could also increase the chances for developing some kinds of cardiovascular disease.
In a recent study involving 60,000 participants, researchers looked at how white coat hypertension impacted health over a 3-year period. The results of the study showed that white coat hypertension increased the risk for heart disease by 36 percent. People with the condition were also at a 109 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease.
If your aging relative has white coat hypertension, it may be wise to make lifestyle changes that reduce the risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. A senior care provider can help them to eat a healthier diet by preparing meals for them. Senior care providers can also encourage more physical activity by getting the older adult to walk more or by driving them to an exercise class. Senior care providers can also ensure your aging relative takes any medications the doctor has prescribed to manage current conditions.
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325442.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/white-coat-hypertension/faq-20057792
https://www.healthline.com/health/white-coat-syndrome
https://www.verywellhealth.com/dangers-of-white-coat-hypertension-1764150
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior care in Greenwood Village, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
