[White-coat hypertension]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hypertension Research
• Clinical Medicine

Context:

• White-coat hypertension (WCH) is diagnosed when office blood pressure is elevated, but readings via ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) or home blood pressure (HBP) are normal.
• WCH prevalence ranges from 15-30% in untreated individuals with elevated office blood pressure, notably higher in elderly populations.
• The long-term outlook for WCH is considered intermediate between normal blood pressure and sustained hypertension.

Purpose:

• To define white-coat hypertension and its prevalence.
• To highlight the prognostic implications and risks associated with WCH.
• To emphasize the importance of monitoring WCH patients for potential progression and cardiovascular events.

Summary:

• WCH involves elevated clinic BP with normal out-of-office BP (ABPM/HBP).
• It affects 15-30% of individuals with high office BP, particularly the elderly.
• Prognosis is intermediate; risks include progression to sustained hypertension and cardiovascular events, potentially exacerbated by metabolic disorders.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for careful follow-up of WCH patients.
• Underscores the cardiovascular risk associated with WCH, especially when metabolic disorders are present.
• Informs clinical practice regarding the management and monitoring strategies for white-coat hypertension.