What is masked hypertension?

• A. High readings in the clinic but normal readings outside.
• B. Normal readings in the clinic but elevated readings outside (home or ambulatory).
• C. Elevated readings in both clinic and outside.
• D. Normal readings at all times.

Answer: (B)

Masked hypertension is when blood pressure readings look normal in the clinic but are elevated in daily life, as measured at home or with ambulatory monitoring. The best choice describes normal clinic readings paired with higher readings outside the clinic. This pattern matters because it can hide real hypertension and its cardiovascular risks unless home or ambulatory measurements are used to uncover the true BP status. It’s different from white coat hypertension, where BP is high in the clinic but normal outside, and from true sustained hypertension, which is high in both settings. Detecting masked hypertension involves home BP monitoring or ambulatory BP monitoring and confirming persistently elevated readings outside the clinic.