White Coat Syndrome, also known as White Coat Hypertension or the White Coat Effect, describes a patient experiencing high blood pressure and anxiety when in a clinical situation.
The condition is not uncommon, with as many as 1 in 8 people experiencing White Coat Syndrome.
As well as being potentially upsetting for patients, higher blood pressure as the result of White Coat Syndrome can lead to procedures or treatments being postponed or cancelled where a higher blood pressure reading indicates a potential risk.
How we can help
At Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth, we will do all we can to help alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety within these clinical situations, including:
- Inviting patients who are affected by White Coat Syndrome to a tour of the hospital
- Arranging for patients to meet the care team before their treatment
- Offering quiet areas for blood pressure checks
- Taking blood pressure readings several times throughout an appointment – often blood pressure lowers as the patient relaxes.
For more information about how we can help, or to get referred to us, speak to our friendly team on
0333 321 8277, or use this page’s enquiry form.
