24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM)
A diagnosis of hypertension is typically confirmed after at least three elevated recordings, taken on separate days and at different times. However, there are instances where the diagnosis may not be straightforward, either due to borderline readings or the commonly observed 'white-coat syndrome,' where blood pressure spikes in a doctor's clinic due to stress and anxiety.
In such situations, regular automated home recording of blood pressure over a 24-hour period can provide valuable insights for making an accurate diagnosis and assessing the response to treatment. This test involves fitting a blood pressure cuff and monitor and taking regular automatic blood pressure readings throughout the day and night.
Once the 24-hour period is complete, the monitor is returned for detailed analysis. The results can help determine whether there is a new diagnosis of hypertension or if treatment for an existing diagnosis of hypertension should be further optimized.
