“White Coat” Hypertension Surprisingly Common

Are your blood pressure readings higher in the doctor’s office? A large study in Spain discovered that just over one-third of hypertensive patients actually had normal pressures. These patients averaged 161/88 when measured in the doctor’s office, but registered an average of 134/75 when using 24-hour ambulatory monitoring.

PositiveTip: If you think your blood pressure is consistently lower than when at your doctor’s office, consider discussing the value of 24 hour ambulatory monitoring.