White coat hypertension is a clinical phenomenon characterized by elevated arterial blood pressure during a visit to the physician. In this study, we will review the key published studies related to this concept as they evaluate and compare morphological and behavioural characteristics between normotensive individuals, essential hypertension, and white coat patients. A definition of white coat hypertension, as well as information about its prevalence and factors contributing to it are also provided. We will comment on the implications of this type of hypertension in nursing practice, since readings of arterial blood pressure as ascertained by a nurse usually correlate well with those taken at home, a finding that should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.