**What is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?** Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring is a non-invasive test that measures your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period, allowing you to monitor your blood pressure outside of a healthcare setting. **When is it used?** 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is typically used: * To diagnose and manage hypertension * To rule out "white coat hypertension" (elevated readings in a healthcare setting) * To detect "masked hypertension" (normal readings at home, but elevated at the doctor's office) * To monitor blood pressure changes over time * In pregnant women with hypertension * For people with "borderline" hypertension * When difficulty controlling BP with medication is suspected * When changes in prescription medications may impact BP are expected * In cases of fainting episodes or hypotension (low BP) **Benefits** The benefits of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring include: * Ruling out white coat hypertension and unnecessary prescriptions for BP-lowering drugs * Detecting masked hypertension and providing necessary treatment * Reducing the incidence of stroke, heart disease, and organ damage due to hypertension * Evaluating a patient's response to long-acting antihypertensive medications **Disadvantages** The disadvantages of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring include: * Discomfort due to repeated cuff inflation (may cause soreness in the upper arm) * Interference with sleep due to nocturnal BP readings * Mild skin irritation or rash caused by the device and cuff * Potential for insurance non-reimbursement, unless white coat hypertension or masked hypertension is suspected