White coat hypertension – when blood pressure is high during a doctor's visit
The term „white coat hypertension“, also called white coat high blood pressure, office high blood pressure, office hypertension, or isolated clinical hypertension (English: white coat hypertension - abbreviated WCHT), describes blood pressure readings that are elevated only when measured in the doctor's office or clinic.
The phenomenon of office hypertension was first described in 1983 by the Italian hypertension researcher Professor Giuseppe Mancia.
In those affected, blood pressure rises just minutes after entering the doctor's office or clinic, even if no white coat is yet in sight. The readings usually remain elevated even after repeated measurements in the office. So the idea that this is caused by not being physically rested during the measurement does not hold up.
By contrast, blood pressure measurements taken at home are lower, often even within the normal range.
This is due to the tension some people experience when visiting a doctor or clinic. Fears about their health or treatment often play a role as well.
White coat hypertension can be detected, for example, by taking blood pressure measurements yourself at home. If it is suspected, the treating physician will probably arrange 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, during which blood pressure readings are automatically measured and recorded over an extended period, including overnight.
If white coat hypertension is confirmed, treatment is usually not necessary. However, because true hypertension can develop from it, known risk factors such as lack of exercise, smoking, excess weight and the like should be reduced where possible. For this reason, white coat hypertension should also continue to be monitored.
An Italian study also found that some people with office hypertension had enlargement of the left heart chamber and thickening of the heart walls. This is another reason to keep an eye on white coat hypertension so any changes can be detected early. Whether and when medication is necessary must, in any case, be decided by the treating physician.
According to studies, white coat hypertension occurs only about half as often as masked hypertension, where readings in the doctor's office are lower than in daily life.
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This article is from Tensana – the leading app since 2011, helping hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 11/2025).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
