White Coat Syndrome
White Coat Syndrome refers to the phenomenon where patients experience elevated blood pressure when visiting a healthcare provider, often due to anxiety or stress associated with the medical environment. This reaction can lead to inaccurate readings, making it challenging to assess a person's true blood pressure levels.
The condition is named for the white coats typically worn by doctors and nurses, which can trigger feelings of apprehension in some individuals. Understanding White Coat Syndrome is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as it may lead to unnecessary concerns about hypertension if not properly evaluated in a relaxed setting.