White Coat Syndrome in Children and Adolescents
Research conducted on pediatric patients has revealed that children and adolescents can also be affected by White Coat Syndrome (WCS). Interestingly, around half of the children who were assessed for elevated blood pressure readings showed normal levels outside of the medical environment. This indicates that their blood pressure tends to spike only when they are in a clinical setting.
Although certain factors, such as obesity and belonging to certain ethnic groups, increase the risk of developing hypertension in children, those who experience elevated blood pressure solely during medical visits are unlikely to suffer from any long-term adverse effects.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Issues and Other Health Risks
A 2019 study has revealed that untreated white coat syndrome (WCS) can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and mortality. Similarly, a 2015 study found that individuals with WCS face a higher likelihood of experiencing stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks. Moreover, if left untreated, individuals displaying signs of WCS are also 36% more likely to develop other chronic illnesses along with cardiovascular symptoms.