Question

marcus has high blood pressure readings sometimes when he goes to the doctor for his routine check-ups. he feels anxious every year when he goes despite there being no family history for high blood pressure. marcus is possibly suffering from:

select one
a. coronary heart disease.
b. \white coat\ hypertension.
c. stroke symptoms.
d. poor diet and high cholesterol.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

Using the White Coat Hypertension knowledge point

Marcus experiences high blood pressure readings specifically during routine doctor visits, accompanied by feelings of anxiety, despite having no family history of hypertension. This transient rise in blood pressure in a clinical setting is a classic presentation of white coat hypertension.

Evaluate the given options

Using the White Coat Hypertension knowledge point

• A. coronary heart disease: This is a chronic cardiovascular condition involving plaque buildup in the arteries, which does not selectively manifest as anxiety-induced high readings only at check-ups.
• B. "white coat" hypertension: This directly describes elevated blood pressure specifically in medical environments due to situational anxiety.
• C. stroke symptoms: Stroke symptoms involve acute neurological deficits (e.g., numbness, speech difficulty), not isolated situational high blood pressure.
• D. poor diet and high cholesterol: While these contribute to chronic hypertension, they do not explain why the high readings occur specifically during clinical visits accompanied by anxiety.

Answer:

• (A) coronary heart disease.
• (B) "white coat" hypertension. (Correct answer)
• (C) stroke symptoms.
• (D) poor diet and high cholesterol.