Prevalence of white-coat syndrome in Saudi hypertensive patients

Background White-coat hypertension (WCHT) is a persistently increased blood pressure in the medical office compared with home (or better) 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Studies in the West have demonstrated that 31–32% of patients with established hypertension experience WCHT. To date, no similar studies have been carried out in this region. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of WCHT in Saudi patients with established hypertension, attending a nurse-led clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). Methods This retrospective, descriptive study included 50 patients with hypertension attending a nurse-led clinic in KAMC, from January to October, 2011. Patients had, at minimum, 2 clinic blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher and ABPM. Analysis was performed using SPSS Advanced Statistics for Windows, version 18. Results Of the total population ( n = 50), 60% were male, mean age was 61.4 ± 12.6 WCHT was found in 48% of patients; 66.6% males. There were no significant clinical differences between the 2 groups as both had equal distribution of co-morbidities Conclusion There is a high prevalence of WCHT in patients with established hypertension, followed up in a nurse led clinic with a higher prevalence in males. These figures are significantly higher than Western data. Recommendations All patients with established hypertension should have at least one ABPM in order to guide the clinician in diagnosis and appropriate management.