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What Causes High Blood Pressure When At Doctor's Office?

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Posted on Mon, 19 May 2014
Question: My blood pressure and hear rate is way higher at the doctor's office because of anxiety and what I was told with "White Coat Syndrome". How can I relieve this so that I can get a BP reading more similar to the one that I have at home? I had a bad experience with a doctor as an adolescent, and ever since then I get really anxious going to the doctor even though I try not to be.
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Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Normal response to anxiety...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns.

Having high blood pressure when at doctor's office is normal response to the anxiety you get when at doctor's office. This is called "White Coat Syndrome". This is not a disease or pathology, but a state of anxiety/stress when you see white coat people due to bad experience as an adolescent.

There is nothing to be worried about. Try to relax. Can take an anxiolytic for your anxiety. You can discuss it further with your doctor as you might need a prescription for that.

When you get back home, prepare a nice tea with chamomile/valeriana and take it to get better. You can measure bp at home, and you will see the bp will be back to normal again.

All the best!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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What Causes High Blood Pressure When At Doctor's Office?

Brief Answer: Normal response to anxiety... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical history and understood your concerns. Having high blood pressure when at doctor's office is normal response to the anxiety you get when at doctor's office. This is called "White Coat Syndrome". This is not a disease or pathology, but a state of anxiety/stress when you see white coat people due to bad experience as an adolescent. There is nothing to be worried about. Try to relax. Can take an anxiolytic for your anxiety. You can discuss it further with your doctor as you might need a prescription for that. When you get back home, prepare a nice tea with chamomile/valeriana and take it to get better. You can measure bp at home, and you will see the bp will be back to normal again. All the best! Dr.Benard