White coat syndrome is a 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 difficult for doctors to assess a patient's true blood pressure levels. The condition is named for the white coats typically worn by doctors and nurses, which may trigger feelings of unease in some individuals. To address this, healthcare providers may recommend monitoring blood pressure at home or using a more relaxed setting to obtain accurate measurements.