Reproducibility
Physiologic Variability
You know that hypertension is a risk factor for several serious diseases. While examining your patient for hypertension, he tells you that he arrived late and flustered for his appointment after being unable to find a parking spot in your clinic.
Recall that the blood pressure levels measured on your patient were:
Recall that the blood pressure levels measured on your patient were:
- 146/92 mmHg (nurse)
- 136/88 (you)
- 140/88 (you)
Reflection
What role could physiologic variability play in the different blood pressure readings obtained on this patient?
| Blood pressure readings taken in a doctors office or hospital setting may be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is known as white coat syndrome! |