According to new research, your risk of dying from heart disease may double if you suffer from “white coat hypertension” that goes untreated. So, what exactly is this condition? White coat hypertension is a disorder in which a person develops high blood pressure when in the presence of doctors.
If you tend to be queasy around blood, fearful of needles or worried about a concerning diagnosis whenever you’re around doctors, you may be able to relate. For some, a “white coat” entering the room causes an instant spike in anxiety, as well as blood pressure levels.
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In the United States, more than 100 million people suffer from high blood pressure, which can contribute to heart attack and stroke. Some experts believe that white coat hypertension is a sign of underlying anxiety, while others believe that being in the presence of doctors may in fact contribute to the development of hypertension.
Either way, white coat hypertension is considered a significant risk factor for heart disease and cardiovascular death. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, untreated white coat hypertension may increase the risk of dying from heart disease by more than 100%.
High blood pressure is defined as a top reading of at least 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a bottom reading of 80mm Hg or higher. While conventional treatment options for high blood pressure involve intensive drug treatment, there are other safer and more natural ways to beat it.
Naturally manage high blood pressure
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet — Make sure your diet consists of organic foods instead of processed ones that contain sugar, grains and trans fat. You should also swap carb-rich foods for sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, grass fed butter, coconut and grass fed meat.
• Cut back on caffeine and avoid alcohol — Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may cause a rise in blood pressure levels. Caffeine may also raise the blood pressure levels of people who don’t regularly consume it. If you suspect that you’re sensitive to this substance, try cutting back on caffeinated beverages to see if it has any effect on your levels.
• Quit smoking — Smoking not only puts you at risk of a sudden spike in blood pressure and heart rate, but it may also damage your blood vessels and narrow your arteries over time.
• Exercise regularly — Exercising regularly is one of the most effective strategies for normalizing high blood pressure levels.
• Learn how to address your stress — Stress can be relieved through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises or Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). You can also ease this negative emotion by doing activities that you enjoy, like watching movies or listening to relaxing music.