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Q: I’ve been told I have white coat hypertension. Will this be a problem in the years ahead?

A: White coat hypertension describes the phenomenon (often called white coat syndrome) in which some individuals have a much higher blood pressure reading in their doctor’s office than they normally do at home or anywhere else. It’s estimated that about 5 percent of people with white coat syndrome are diagnosed with high blood pressure. In many of these cases, people are prescribed medications they don’t actually need or receive higher doses than are medically necessary. To get a more accurate reading of your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend you wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitor or track your blood pressure with a home moni­tor. White coat syndrome can be something that lingers for years or can sometimes resolve on its own. For some individuals, developing a comfortable rapport with their doctor can ease the nerves that may bring on a spike in blood pressure with each appointment. Other tips include giving yourself enough time to get to your doctor’s office and clearing your schedule for a while after the appointment so you don’t feel rushed. It’s also helpful to avoid caffeine or exercise within an hour of your appointment. Keep in mind that white coat syndrome can be present in people who also truly have hyper­tension. In these cases, blood pressure spikes may occur, but they do so on top of existing high blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about the best way to monitor your blood pres­sure and keep it under control consistently.