Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements in the Management of Hypertension: Practical Importance

Abstract

Ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) gives better prediction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and endorgan damage associated with hypertension (HTN) than clinic or casual blood pressure measurements, since the diurnal blood pressure profile and nocturnal blood pressure levels are not ascertained by the later. 1 Although the technology has been available for more than three decades, its role in the evaluation and management of hypertension has been well established only in the past decade. Ambulatory blood pressure measurement is indicated to identify ‘white coat’ effect/hypertension, masked hypertension, to evaluate drug-resistant hypertension, and to assess adequacy of control in patients at high-risk of cardiovascular disease. The various blood pressure categorizations afforded by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are valuable for clinical management of high blood pressure and prevention of cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the utility of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the manage ment of hypertension and its practical importance.