ENGLISH
REFERENCE

white coat hypertension

idiom
Meaning

Elevated blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner and deemed to result from the patient's emotional response to the medical environment.


Origin

disputed origin

From white coat + hypertension, due to the typical uniform of a medical practitioner.

Examples
SIMPLE

My blood pressure is high only because of white coat hypertension.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor noted that my high reading was likely white coat hypertension, as I felt very nervous in the clinic.

COMPLEX

Although his home readings remained within a healthy range, the patient exhibited consistent white coat hypertension during every clinical examination due to his underlying anxiety regarding medical settings.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all fur coat and no knickers

    Having a superficially positive appearance that is belied by the reality, e.g., superficially elegant and beautiful but actually common.

  2. 02

    cut one's coat according to one's cloth

    To live within one's means, without spending more than is affordable.

  3. 03

    turn one's coat

    To turn against a previous affiliation or allegiance.

  4. 04

    wash a blackamoor white

    To labour in vain, especially so as to present something as better than it really is; to whitewash.

  5. 05

    white bread

    Bread made from white flour.

  6. 06

    white hat

    A good person; a hero.

  7. 07

    white lie

    A deliberately untrue statement which is intended to produce a favorable result; especially, one which is judged to be better than an overhonest alternative, as for example to remain polite in a superficial social exchange, or to choose one's battles.

  8. 08

    white magic

    Magic derived from good or benign forces, as distinct from evil or malevolent forces; or magic performed with the intention of doing good or giving aid.

© 2026 English Reference