We all encounter situations when our blood pressure temporarily rises. A good example is when some of us go to the doctor and our blood pressure suddenly increases, but when we leave the office our blood pressure returns to normal. It is because the sight of that blood pressure cuff suddenly makes the blood pressure rise, hence the term “white coat” high blood pressure. This sort of rise in blood pressure doesn’t really create much of a concern, but now doctors are wondering if there should be reason for alarm.
There have been some heart abnormalities in people who experience this “white coat” high blood pressure. Yet there are others who have not shown any abnormalities at all. This phenomenon was once a mystery that many felt they didn’t need to be concerned about, but since it has caught the eyes of researchers, there has been research conducted that shows white coat blood pressure may be worth the time and effort to find possible ill effects of this phenomenon.
One study that was conducted took 42 people who experienced white coat blood pressure who had blood pressure over 140/90 while in the doctor’s office and blood pressure no higher than 130/90 while outside of the doctor’s office. They were then compared to people who had high been diagnosed with high blood pressure over 140/90 and were also compared with people who had normal high blood pressure whether they were at the doctor’s office or not.
Each person who participated in this study underwent ultrasounds to see if any kind of damage had been done to their hearts as a result of any kind of high blood pressure. Believe it or not, the people with white coat blood pressure show some damage to their hearts. Their hearts showed to not be as efficient and their hearts were enlarged and thickened. Despite this evidence, the debate of whether or not to treat those with white coat high blood pressure remains on the table. On the other hand, it is thought that 20% of people who are treated for mild blood pressure actually have white coat high blood pressure.
Some doctors believe that treating white coat blood pressure is not a bad idea since treatment is harmless, but lifestyle changes should be tried first. Changes such as changes in diet and physical activity are a good place to start. Perhaps until it is determined that a balanced diet and exercise alone are not enough should white coat high blood pressure be treated with medication. Since it is obvious that white coat blood pressure is becoming less of a mystery through research such as that described above, those who experience temporary rises in blood pressure need to be more aware. It could actually turn out that these rises are doing long-term damage to the heart that could eventually cause heart attack or stroke. Starting that healthy diet and regular exercise before white coat blood pressure can become a problem is the key to a healthy life and the key to no more rises in blood pressure when it is time for the cuff to meet the arm once more.
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