[White coat hypertension and cardiovascular risk: a controversial association?]

Cyrielle Alves1, Violène Porto1, Antoinette Péchère-Bertschi1

  • 1Service de néphrologie, Département des spécialités de médecine, HUG, 1211 Genève 14.

Revue Medicale Suisse
|September 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

White coat hypertension, diagnosed via ambulatory monitoring, is increasingly recognized as a cardiovascular risk. Management involves lifestyle changes and medication to mitigate this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • White coat hypertension (WCH) is a common condition.
  • Diagnosis relies on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or home blood pressure readings.
  • The clinical significance and innocence of WCH are under ongoing investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic methods for white coat hypertension.
  • To discuss the debated innocence and potential risks associated with WCH.
  • To emphasize the importance of WCH detection and management according to current guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
  • Employing repeated home blood pressure measurements.
  • Reviewing recent studies on cardiovascular risk in WCH patients.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies suggest WCH may be linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Guidelines emphasize the need for WCH detection.
  • Management strategies include lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • White coat hypertension is a recognized phenotype requiring attention.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Adherence to ESH and ESC guidelines is recommended for WCH treatment.

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