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White Coat Hypertension & Cardiovascular Outcomes
Raymond R Townsend1, Jordana B Cohen2
1Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Renal Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, 122 Founders Building 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States. townsend@upenn.edu.
Current Hypertension Reports
|May 18, 2024
Summary
White coat hypertension, an elevated blood pressure in medical settings, is common and increases cardiovascular risk. Management strategies are being explored for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Blood pressure measurement in clinical settings can differ significantly from out-of-office readings.
- Understanding these discrepancies is crucial for accurate hypertension diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complexity of blood pressure responses between medical and non-medical environments.
- To review predictors and cardiovascular outcomes associated with white coat hypertension.
- To offer clinical guidance for managing white coat hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies comparing in-office and out-of-office blood pressure measurements.
- Analysis of existing data on predictors of white coat hypertension.
- Reevaluation of the link between white coat hypertension and cardiovascular events.
Main Results:
- White coat hypertension is prevalent and associated with a small but significant increase in cardiovascular risk.
- Outcomes differ between unmedicated individuals and those on antihypertensive therapy experiencing the white coat effect.
- White coat hypertension can progress to sustained hypertension.
Conclusions:
- White coat hypertension requires careful consideration due to its association with increased cardiovascular risk.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of associated metabolic factors and to test mitigation strategies.
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