Doctor's practice White coat effect increases blood pressure

White coat effect: higher blood pressure in the doctor's office

05/24/2014

When doctors measure blood pressure in their patients, it is not at all rare for it to skyrocket. One speaks then of the so-called white coat effect. Experts therefore suggest that patients with elevated levels at home should take control measurements.

White coat effect boosts blood pressure
When doctors take the meter themselves, it can happen that the patient's blood pressure skyrockets. One speaks then of the so-called white coat effect, as the German high pressure league (DHL) in Heidelberg explained according to a dpa message. For this reason, DHL is advised to supplement the measurements in the doctor's practice at home with further control measurements. The values ​​of the patient are usually at home, but also if the nurse or medical assistant measures within the normal range. British researchers from the Medical School of the University of Exeter have revealed in a review that this white coat effect is actually lower when a nurse measures the blood pressure.

Only use tested measuring instruments
Important in the self-measurement is to use a tested meter. After each measurement, the value should be noted with time and date. These can be presented to the doctor later for evaluation. In Germany, about 20 to 30 million people are estimated to have high blood pressure. Only every second affected person knows something about his hypertension. Since too high blood pressure usually causes almost no discomfort, but is the biggest risk factor for stroke and heart attack, he is also called by physicians „creeping death“ designated. Therefore, early detection plays an important role. According to DHL, the values ​​are too high if they repeatedly exceed 139/89 mmHg. (Ad)