When a patient has elevated blood pressure readings only in the office, what is the next best step?

When a patient presents with elevated blood pressure readings that are only observed during office visits, it raises the suspicion of white-coat syndrome, where anxiety or a nervous response to being in a clinical environment causes temporary increases in blood pressure. To accurately assess the patient's blood pressure status outside of the clinical setting, the most prudent next step is to utilize 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

This method allows for continuous blood pressure readings over an extended period, providing insights into the patient’s blood pressure patterns during their usual daily activities. It helps in distinguishing between true hypertension and white-coat syndrome by capturing readings at various times of the day, including during sleep and in relaxed conditions.

Identifying whether the elevation is consistent or temporary is crucial for determining the appropriate management plan for the patient. By confirming a diagnosis with ambulatory monitoring, it can prevent unnecessary medication prescriptions or interventions, focusing only on patients who truly require treatment.