Table 1.
Guideline | Common term for defining WCH | Current definition | Unclear points |
---|---|---|---|
Europe4 | White‐coat (or isolated office) hypertension | Untreated individuals with elevated office BP (≥ 140/90 mm Hg), 24‐h BP < 130/80 mm Hg, awake BP < 135/85 mm Hg, and sleep BP < 120/70 mm Hg | The term white‐coat effect is used in both treated and untreated individuals |
United States5 | WCH | Untreated individuals with office BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg but <160/100 mm Hg and daytime BP < 130/80 mm Hg | In treated individuals the term white‐coat effect is used |
Canada6 | WCH | Untreated individuals with elevated office BP (≥ 140/90 mm Hg), 24‐h BP < 130/80 mm Hg, and awake BP < 135/85 mm Hg | Nighttime BP not included in the categorization. No mention of treated individuals |
United Kingdom7 | WCH | Elevated clinic BP (≥140/90 mm Hg) and daytime BP < 135/85 mm Hg | The term white‐coat effect is used in both treated and untreated individuals |
Latin America8 | WCH | Patients with hypertensive values in the office and normal values with ABPM | No mention of which period of the 24 h is suitable for categorization |
Australia9 | White‐coat (or isolated clinic) hypertension | Untreated individuals with elevated office BP (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) and daytime BP < 135/85 mm Hg | No mention of treated patients |
Japan10 | WCH | Untreated individuals with elevated office BP (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) and 24‐h BP < 130/80 mm Hg | The condition is defined as WCH under treatment in patients receiving treatment |
ABPM, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring; BP, blood pressure; WCH, white‐coat hypertension.