'White coat hypertension' is a common expression used by the GP to ask to the people who suffer from apprehension or fear when they have to pass a medical test, especially blood pressure or heat rate tests. They jokingly use to ask us: Do you have white coat hypertension? because they consider that you are momentarily getting on nerves, as a consequence your parameters don't correspond with the reality. I have to say that I suffer form it. When I have to pass a test, I usually take my time, trying to relax and not thinking so much about it.
I agree with you, as I say below. The funny thing (at least, it happened to me) is when you feel bad because of a cold, go to the Doctor's and you feel better even before coming in the surgery. In those moments, I remember I felt as if I were a lier asking for a sick leave.
Thanks. I didn't know, but it makes sense. You can use the same expression in English: What is white coat syndrome? Some people find that their blood pressure is normal at home, but rises slightly when they're at the doctor. This is known as white coat syndrome, or the white coat effect. The syndrome gets its name from doctors and medical staff who sometimes wear white coats in a professional setting.
As I know, the blood pressure readings are different because of the different stress level. At home, you are quiet and so your pressure is lower. At the surgery, it increases, I don't know if it is because patients are temerous to recieve bad news.
It refers to that appliance that measures your blood presure. It has a metaphorical name in English.
ReplyDeleteNo...Sorry.
Delete'White coat hypertension' is a common expression used by the GP to ask to the people who suffer from apprehension or fear when they have to pass a medical test, especially blood pressure or heat rate tests. They jokingly use to ask us: Do you have white coat hypertension? because they consider that you are momentarily getting on nerves, as a consequence your parameters don't correspond with the reality. I have to say that I suffer form it. When I have to pass a test, I usually take my time, trying to relax and not thinking so much about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, as I say below.
DeleteThe funny thing (at least, it happened to me) is when you feel bad because of a cold, go to the Doctor's and you feel better even before coming in the surgery.
In those moments, I remember I felt as if I were a lier asking for a sick leave.
Good explanation, Carlos. It's basically the fear of doctors and tests. In this case, you don't feel comfortable having your blood pressure measured.
DeleteYou're right, JL. It must be some kind of placebo effect. It happens to me too, but only if the doctor is nice.
DeleteIn Spain, it is called, 'síndrome de la bata blanca'
ReplyDeleteThanks. I didn't know, but it makes sense. You can use the same expression in English:
DeleteWhat is white coat syndrome? Some people find that their blood pressure is normal at home, but rises slightly when they're at the doctor. This is known as white coat syndrome, or the white coat effect. The syndrome gets its name from doctors and medical staff who sometimes wear white coats in a professional setting.
I would like to add that it is called this way because the health care professionals usually wear white coats. piedad
ReplyDeleteExactly. And how do you call the green or blue clothes they wear sometimes: a shirt and trousers?
DeleteI think it is called pyjamas
DeleteNot in English. They're called scrubs, like the TV series.
DeleteAs I know, the blood pressure readings are different because of the different stress level.
ReplyDeleteAt home, you are quiet and so your pressure is lower. At the surgery, it increases, I don't know if it is because patients are temerous to recieve bad news.
Very probably.
Delete