Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a non-invasive, diagnostic tool used to measure blood pressure over a full 24-hour period while you go about your normal daily activities and sleep. It provides a more accurate picture of your blood pressure trends than a single reading taken in the clinic.
This test is especially useful for:
- Identifying white coat hypertension — elevated readings in the doctor’s office but normal pressures at home
- Detecting masked hypertension — normal in-office readings but high blood pressure during daily life
- Evaluating the effectiveness of blood pressure medications
- Monitoring for nocturnal hypertension (high blood pressure during sleep), which is linked to increased cardiovascular risk
- Diagnosing resistant hypertension that remains elevated despite treatment
The ABPM device is worn on your waist or shoulder and connected to a cuff that automatically inflates at set intervals throughout the day and night. The data collected helps your physician make informed decisions about hypertension diagnosis and management, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.