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White-coat hypertension

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By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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White-coat (or office) hypertension refers to blood pressure that rises above its usual level when it is measured in a clinic setting, such as a doctor's office, where a nurse or doctor may be wearing a white lab coat.

White-coat hypertension is more common in people who have high blood pressure than it is in people who have normal blood pressure. It tends to decrease with repeat measurements.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007