Blood pressure fluctuates across the day, while performing different activities
and when under stress. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring or monitoring of blood pressure (BP) over a 24-hour period is indicated for an accurate assessment for the following:
- Suspected white-coat hypertension (normal home BP; high clinic BP)
- Suspected masked hypertension (normal clinic BP; high home BP)
- Suspected nocturnal hypertension (high BP) or reduction (dipping) at night
- Suspected episodic hypertension
- Hypertension that does not respond to treatment
- Potential high risk of cardiovascular events even with normal clinic BP
The ABP device is made up of an inflatable cuff attached to a monitor similar to a clinic device. The cuff is secured on your arm and fixed at your waist to a belt. Blood pressure is checked every half an hour when you are awake while you go about your daily routine, and every hour while you are asleep. Variations in blood pressure are recorded by the monitor. After 24 hours, a report is prepared and reviewed by your doctor.
While individual BP measurements at the clinic are important for screening and management of high BP, 24-hour BP monitoring helps in accurate diagnosis and optimum care. Additionally, monitoring of blood pressure in the home setting may reduce stress, and is especially beneficial for the elderly and home-bound.