What is white coat syndrome?

White coat syndrome refers to the phenomenon where a patient experiences elevated blood pressure readings specifically in a clinical setting, often due to anxiety about being in a medical environment. This anxiety can trigger a fight-or-flight response, causing a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It is not a reflection of the patient’s blood pressure in their everyday life, which may be normal when measured outside of the clinical setting. Recognizing this syndrome is important for healthcare providers, as it can lead to misdiagnosis of hypertension if only clinical readings are considered. Understanding this concept is crucial for managing patient health and ensuring an accurate assessment of their blood pressure over time.