White Coat Syndrome? There May Be More to It Join a Blood Pressure Study and Earn Up to $215
- Jaime P. Morales
- May 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
You go to the doctor’s office for your annual check-up. You’ve waited months for this. You sit in the exam room, and the doctor comes in. A medical staff member takes your vitals, your heart rate is up, your blood pressure is high. The reading comes back elevated.
But you have no history of high blood pressure. You eat healthy, you exercise, you shouldn’t have high blood pressure.
Could anxiety about being in a medical setting be to blame? This phenomenon is known as White Coat Syndrome.
What is White Coat Syndrome?
White coat syndrome gets its name from the white lab coats typically worn by doctors. It describes a situation where someone’s blood pressure rises only when it’s measured in a medical setting. This spike is believed to be caused by stress or anxiety during the visit.
There are ways to check your blood pressure at home to ensure the readings are accurate. It's always a good idea to talk to a medical professional about your results and any concerns you may have.
According to Harvard University, some cases of white coat hypertension (high blood pressure) may be cause for concern. Continued research into blood pressure patterns is important to better understand and manage this condition.
How to Check Blood Pressure
The best way to take control of your blood pressure is to track it regularly. Monitoring your blood pressure helps your healthcare provider see patterns over time, which can lead to better health outcomes.
To get the most accurate readings, follow these simple tips:
Take your blood pressure twice a day: once in the morning and once at night, at the same times each day.
Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported.
Rest for at least 5 minutes before taking your reading, stay calm and avoid talking during the measurement.
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Study Purpose:
To examine how blood pressure readings differ when measured with or without another person present.
Screening Process (2 steps):
Answering questionnaires
Measuring arm circumference
Participation Involves:
1–2 study visits
Wearing a wrist activity monitor for 8 days
Wearing a 24-hour blood pressure monitor
Measuring blood pressure 4 times daily for 7 days
Receiving daily text messages
Completing additional questionnaires
Participants will be randomized into two groups to determine the measurement order.
Eligibility:
English or Spanish-speaking adults
Age 18 or older
Compensation:
Up to $215, provided via TruCentive e-gift card upon full completion of the study.
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