Women of all ages are disproportionately afflicted by a common condition known as "white coat" hypertension, in which their blood pressure rises significantly in the doctor's office - anywhere from 10 to 30 points - yet remains normal at home and work. This "false positive" response may be an involuntary conditioned reflex to the anxiety of being tested, according to recent studies, and strikes somewhere between 20 percent and 39 percent of patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Those with normal readings at home are believed to be at no greater risk for health complications and could be taking blood pressure medications needlessly.
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