Blood pressure readings in GP surgeries 'may not predict heart problems'

"A blood pressure reading in a GP's surgery may not be the most accurate way of predicting the chances of suffering a heart attack, according to a study. The findings could be because of a phenomenon called 'white coat effect', in which a patient has a different blood pressure level when inside their doctor's office than outside, according to the researchers. Scientists found that taking an average blood pressure level across 24 hours substantially increased the likelihood of anticipating future problems in some patients" - Telegraph, UK