white coat syndrome
Medical setting nerves
White coat syndrome is the phenomenon of elevated blood pressure readings in medical settings, caused by the anxiety of being examined by a doctor or nurse—the white coat being the traditional garb of medical professionals.
The readings return to normal outside clinical environments.
Her doctor suspected white coat syndrome and asked her to monitor her blood pressure at home.
- waiting roomSpace for anticipating service
- routine checkupRegular scheduled medical examination
- hospitalMedical treatment facility
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- physicianLicensed medical doctor
hypertension · phobia · bedside manner · sphygmomanometer · stress response · fight-or-flight response · blood pressure monitoring · arm cuff · systolic pressure · tachycardia · vasoconstriction · blood pressure · doctor-patient relationship · anticipatory anxiety · deep breaths · patient compliance · cuff · calm down
- blood pressuresystolic, diastolic, readings, cuff, hypotension