Diagnosis of White Coat Hypertension in Pregnant Women with Teletransmitted Home Blood Pressure

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the diagnosis and prognosis of white coat hypertension (WCH) as detected by home blood pressure (HBP) monitoring measured telemetrically in pregnant women with recently discovered hypertension. Methods. 57 women evaluated using HBP monitoring. Results. The prevalence of WCH was high (76%). Telemetry was necessary as obstetricians were alerted for 8.8% of women. Birth weight was higher in infants born to women with WCH (3571 g vs. 3045 g, p = 0.05). Ninety-eight percent of HBP results were validated. 92% of the women found HBP monitoring to be very easy. Conclusion. In this population, WCH is very common and benign. HBP monitoring is feasible and well accepted. However, teletransmission is necessary for safety.

Keywords:

• Pregnancy
• White coat hypertension
• Home blood pressure
• Teletransmission
• Cost saving