At the beginning of writing this article, I’m sitting in my car awaiting my scheduled annual wellness exam. As a habit, I arrive at least 30 minutes before my scheduled appointment. Arriving very early before my appointment helps me ease my anxiety and allows me to decompress before going inside the office.
Days leading up to my appointment, my anxiety level is off the roof with the anticipation of my doctor’s visits. My heart is racing, my stomach is upset, and I can’t eat a thing. My blood pressure increases significantly above my usual readings on my doctor’s appointment day. The spike in my otherwise normal blood pressure (125/80) is due to my diagnosed condition of White Coat Hypertension (WCH), which causes my blood pressure to rise in medical settings or the thought of going to the doctor.
According to medical studies, WCH affects one in five American adults, including those with and without hypertension.
This article aims to offer some insight into WCH, identify those at risk, describe its causes and symptoms, and provide practical tips for managing it.
What is WCH?
WCH is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure (BP) is higher in a healthcare setting (e.g., a doctor’s office) than in other settings, such as home. It’s called white coat hypertension because the person taking your blood pressure sometimes wears a white coat. The stress of a health checkup may cause the blood pressure to increase.
WCH Symptoms and Causes
WCH Symptom
A temporary spike in blood pressure readings in a healthcare facility can include people who have been diagnosed with or without hypertension.
What Causes WCH
Studies have shown that your body’s response to checking your blood pressure and concerns with the results can cause WCH. This response is similar to people’s “fight or flight” response when sensing danger.
How is WCH diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose WCH when you have at least three higher in-office blood pressure readings (e.g., 140/90 or higher) than usual (120/80).
Your doctor may also suggest you take and keep a log of your blood pressure reading away from the healthcare office, at home, or where you’re relaxed. This can help your doctor see your blood pressure response in both settings.
Your readings from both testing methods will aid your doctor in determining if you have WCH. However, your doctor might require additional medical testing to confirm this.
Who’s at risk for developing WCH?
- Older adults, 50+
- Women
- People who were diagnosed with high blood pressure or other chronic illnesses
- Nonsmoker
- Pregnant women
- If you’re obese
Tips to help manage and treat WCH
Tip 1 – Monitor your blood pressure at home
As previously mentioned, the doctor might require you to monitor your blood pressure at home for some time to help determine if you have WCH. Make monitoring and recording your blood pressure readings a part of your wellness lifestyle. Share your blood pressure (BP) reading log with your doctor at each healthcare appointment.
You can track and log your at-home blood pressure reading in a BP tracking logbook. I highly recommend this logbook, available on Amazon for only $6.97
Tip 2 – Communicate
Please communicate with your healthcare providers by being open and honest and talking with them about how you’re feeling. If I feel nervous and anxious, I inform the nurse before taking my vitals. Sharing how I’m feeling helps me calm down significantly.
I also request that my blood pressure be taken after I settle in the exam room. If the nurse cannot accommodate my request. I ask for a second blood pressure reading before I leave the doctor’s office.
Tip 3 -Develop a good relationship with your healthcare provider
Developing a good relationship with your healthcare provider can help you feel more comfortable and less anxious during your visits. A doctor who knows you and your medical history can provide better care. If you’re seeing a new doctor, let them know what your concerns are and how you’re feeling about the visit.
Tip 4 – Relax – Try these relaxation techniques:
- Deep Breathing
- Try the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds, and repeat this cycle 4 times. This breathing technique can significantly help your body’s fight-or-flight response and calm you down.
- Listen to relaxing music.
- Meditate
- Take a color book with you to the appointment.
- Take a word-finding or crossword puzzle with you to the appointment.
- Positive Self Talk: Talk positive to yourself and remind yourself that you’re okay and safe, and seeing the doctor is an essential part of your self-care.
- Call a friend or family member: Call a friend with positive energy. Talking with others while waiting can help calm you down and lower your blood pressure.
- Drink Water – Drinking a glass of water has a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Calming App or Music: Download calming apps like Calm. The app offers many techniques to help you manage anxiety.
For those who experience white coat hypertension, remember that you’re not alone, and managing this unique type of anxiety is possible. Working closely with a trusted medical professional is essential in developing a plan that keeps your health on track and ensures your well-being.
Disclaimer
This article should not replace your doctor’s advice but should provide practical, supportive tips that may help ease your experience and make your healthcare visits more stress-free.
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I’d love to hear from you! Please share in the comments if you experience a rise in your blood pressure when visiting a medical facility, and feel free to share any tips that help you manage it.
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