White-coat hypertension: ways of optimizing the provision of medical aid (literature review)

Abstract

Background. White-coat hypertension is a controversial issue of a modern cardiovascular medicine. It is a common condition in clinical practice, in which office blood pressure is elevated while out-of-office measurements (ambulatory or home) are normal. The aim of this review is to address a number of issues related to white-coat hypertension, in particular, its definition, prevalence, etiology, symptoms, and consequences, emphasizing the need to improve diagnosis, management and prognosis of this disease. Results. Recent studies demonstrate that white-coat hypertension is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including the progression to sustained hypertension and the development of target organ damage. Timely and accurate diagnosis of white-coat hypertension is incredibly important as it allows postponing its conversion to sustained hypertension and prevents alterations of target organ structure and function. The need for improved patient-doctor interaction to enhance diagnosis and management of white-coat hypertension cannot be overstated. Other measures include exploring standardized measurements, improving communication and relationship establishing between physicians and patients, as well as investigating innovative interventions such as health education and telemedicine. The importance of the understanding of the emotional components contributing to white-coat hypertension are highlighted and strategies to improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis, reduced anxiety, and optimal healthcare experiences are proposed. Conclusion. A comprehensive approach, encompassing standardized measurements, improved communication, and innovative interventions, is essential for effectively managing white coat hypertension. Keywords: blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, communication, healthcare, anxiety.