**Understanding 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring** **What is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?** Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, also known as 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, is a test that measures an individual's blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. This test can help diagnose and manage hypertension, and it has several benefits. **What are the different types of results from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?** There are three main types of results from 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: * **White coat hypertension**: This condition occurs when an individual's blood pressure reading is higher than normal in a doctor's office, but not when measured at home. White coat hypertension can be caused by anxiety or stress related to the medical setting. * **Masked hypertension**: This condition occurs when an individual's blood pressure reading is normal at home, but elevated in a doctor's office. Masked hypertension can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and organ damage. * **Sustained hypertension**: This condition refers to high blood pressure that is consistently elevated throughout the day and night. **Benefits associated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring** The benefits of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring include: * Rule out white coat hypertension, which can prevent unnecessary treatment * Detect masked hypertension, which can improve treatment outcomes * Reduce the incidence of stroke, heart disease, and organ damage due to hypertension * Evaluate a patient's response to long-acting antihypertensive medications **Disadvantages of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring** The disadvantages of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring include: * Discomfort from wearing the device or BP cuff for 24 hours * Interference with sleep due to night-time BP readings * Mild skin irritation or rash caused by the BP cuff * Cost and availability of the test may be limited **How are 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure readings taken?** To take 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure readings, an individual will wear a device that collects information throughout the day and night. The device is attached to a belt or strap worn on the body, and it collects BP readings at regular intervals. After 24 hours, the equipment can be removed and returned to the clinic or doctor's office for analysis. **Additional uses of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring** In addition to diagnosing and managing hypertension, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may also be used: * To evaluate pregnant women with hypertension * For individuals with "borderline" hypertension * When difficulty controlling BP with medication is an issue * To assess the impact of other drugs on blood pressure * To monitor changes in prescription medications that may affect blood pressure * To evaluate fainting episodes or hypotension (low blood pressure)