What is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a non-invasive method used to measure blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. The device is attached to a belt or strap worn on the body and collects information that will later be transferred to a computer.

How is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring done?

Blood pressure readings are taken continually over a 24-hour period. The device, which is about the same size as a portable radio, collects information that will later be transferred to a computer.

What are the benefits of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

• Ruling out white coat hypertension, so that people aren’t given unnecessary prescriptions for BP-lowering drugs.
• Detecting masked hypertension, so that people receive the medications needed for high blood pressure.
• Reducing the incidence of stroke, heart disease and organ damage due to hypertension among patients.
• Evaluating a patient’s response to long-acting antihypertensive medications.

What are the disadvantages of 24-hour blood pressure monitoring?

• Discomfort due to repeated inflation of the cuff, which can cause soreness in the upper arm.
• Blood pressure readings during the night may interfere with sleep.
• The cuff may irritate the skin and cause a mild rash on the arm that usually goes away on its own.
• Some insurance carriers do not reimburse patients for using the ambulatory devices, unless white coat hypertension or masked hypertension is suspected.

Are there other uses for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

Ambulatory BP monitoring can help determine how well some antihypertensive drugs can control high BP. It may also be used to predict the likelihood of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease linked to hypertension and organ damage.

What are the benefits associated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

Ambulatory monitoring can detect white coat hypertension, masked hypertension, and sustained hypertension. It may also be useful in evaluating a patient’s response to long-acting antihypertensive medications.

Are there other benefits associated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

• Pregnant women with hypertension may benefit from ABPM to monitor their blood pressure and adjust treatment as needed.
• People with “borderline” hypertension may benefit from ABPM to determine if they have a significant risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Patients who are having difficulty controlling BP with medication may benefit from ABPM to help them identify the underlying cause of their high blood pressure.
• Patients who experience changes in blood pressure due to other medications or lifestyle factors may benefit from ABPM to monitor their blood pressure and adjust treatment as needed.
• Patients with fainting episodes or hypotension (low BP) may benefit from ABPM to help them identify the underlying cause of their condition.

What are the disadvantages associated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

• Some people may experience discomfort or skin irritation due to the device and cuff.

How is white coat hypertension different from regular hypertension?

White coat hypertension is a condition where blood pressure readings are elevated in a clinical setting, but normal or low outside of the doctor's office. It may be caused by anxiety or stress related to the medical exam.

What is masked hypertension?

Masked hypertension is a condition where blood pressure readings are elevated in a clinical setting, but normal or low outside of the doctor's office. It may be caused by other underlying medical conditions or lifestyle factors.

What is sustained hypertension?

Sustained hypertension is a condition where blood pressure readings are elevated over an extended period, typically 24 hours or more.