Cmlindia

	What is White Coat Hypertension and Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?

	It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called “white coat hypertension.” In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doctor’s readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history. In addition, clinical studies have shown that the detection and treatment of hypertension is improved when patients both consult their physicians and monitor their own blood pressure at home.

	Why Your Readings Are Different Between Home and at the Doctor’s Office.

	Why are my readings different between home and at a doctor’s office? Your blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting may be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is known as white coat hypertension. When I bring my monitor to a doctor’s office, why do I get a different measurement from my monitor to that taken by a doctor or nurse? The healthcare professional may be using a different sized cuff. The size of the bladder inside the cuff is critical for the accuracy of the measurement. This may give you a different reading. A cuff too large will produce a reading that is lower than the correct blood pressure; a cuff that is too small will produce a reading that is higher than the correct blood pressure. There may also be other factors that can cause the difference in measurements.