Contents:
- Medical Video: High Blood Pressure | Hypertension | Nucleus Health
- White coat hypertension, the cause of the blood pressure check is always higher when at the doctor
- Is this condition dangerous?
- What can I do to prevent white coat hypertension?
Medical Video: High Blood Pressure | Hypertension | Nucleus Health
Check blood pressure needs to be done regularly to monitor progress and risks. You can check your own blood pressure at home or at a doctor, to be more accurate. However, have you ever noticed that the results of your tests at your doctor are always higher than when you check at home? Is this because the doctor's test kits are more sophisticated, or the tools you use at home are damaged and need to be replaced with new ones? Eits aren't necessarily. The results of blood pressure readings at doctors are always higher than at home is a phenomenon calledwhite coat hypertension or white coat hypertension.
White coat hypertension, the cause of the blood pressure check is always higher when at the doctor
Everyone's blood pressure varies every day. Exercising, changing postures, and even talking can cause your blood pressure to change.
When the results of reading your blood pressure check always appear higher when you check with your doctor, you may experience white coat hypertension. This can be caused by the effects of stress and nervousness when meeting a doctor or being in a medical atmosphere, for example when sitting in the waiting room to wait to be called or while undergoing medical check-up.
Generally, high blood pressure during your doctor will return to normal once the examination is complete and you leave the doctor's office. That is why doctors often measure the patient's blood pressure more than once and away from the practice room to determine whether the increase in blood pressure really indicates hypertension or just because of anxiety and nervousness.
Is this condition dangerous?
White coat hypertension is a common condition. As many as 25 percent of people in the world are known to have experienced this condition. You are at high risk of developing this type of hypertension if you are pregnant or when you get older.
If you have white coat hypertension, the risk of your high blood pressure is likely to increase in the future. Therefore, it is important to check blood pressure by a doctor or other health professional at least every six to 12 months. This will give you plenty of time to make lifestyle changes that might help.
What can I do to prevent white coat hypertension?
There are several tips for dealing with white coat hypertension, namely:
- Try some relaxation techniques that you can do anywhere, such as deep breathing techniques.
- Ask a friend or family member to accompany you to see a doctor. Having someone you know when checking with a doctor can help you relax more.
- Try to check blood pressure with the same doctor. Seeing a familiar face can make you more relaxed.
- Reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure. Don't add salt to your food when you cook or are eating at a table. Checking labels when you are shopping and choosing low-salt varieties can help maintain your blood pressure. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and controlling the amount of alcohol you drink will also keep you on the right track.
- At least take the time to exercise 30 minutes for five days a week. Talk to your doctor first if you haven't worked out for a long time.
- If you are overweight, try to lose your weight. Instead of a desperate diet, try to make small changes to the food you eat. Setting small things and realistic goals can help.
