Lab coat hypertension: what to know

Some people become tense during an appointment, which can temporarily raise blood pressure. A single clinic reading cannot show whether pressure is consistently high at home, at work, or during sleep. Home monitoring or ambulatory monitoring may help a clinician compare patterns using repeated readings taken with the right cuff and technique.

A higher clinic reading should not be ignored or assumed to be anxiety. Ongoing high blood pressure can strain blood vessels and organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys. It can occur alongside conditions such as obesity or obstructive sleep apnoea, which may also need review.

Ask your clinician how to measure at home: rest quietly first, sit with your back supported and feet on the floor, keep the arm supported, and avoid talking during the reading. Record the date, time, and readings in the format requested. Bring the monitor to an appointment if its accuracy needs checking.

Continue follow-up even when home readings are lower. Your clinician may review salt intake, activity, weight, sleep, alcohol, medicines, and family history. Do not start or stop blood-pressure treatment based on one reading.

Get urgent help for a very high reading accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Seek routine review when readings remain raised, vary widely, or you are unsure whether your monitor or technique is reliable.

Ask whether you need home or ambulatory monitoring, how often to check, what target applies to you, and whether sleep, kidney, heart, or other health issues affect your plan. Mention dizziness or medicine side effects.