Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Multi-Modal Home Sleep Monitoring in Older Adults
Published on: January 26, 2019
When and how to use self (home) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Thomas G Pickering1, William B White, Thomas D Giles
1Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Insights
Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) monitoring, including ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring, is crucial for managing hypertension. These methods help identify high-risk patients and improve diagnosis of conditions like white-coat hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Management
Background:
- Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement is vital for hypertension management.
- Studies link ambulatory BP and BP reduction patterns to cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the clinical importance of out-of-office BP measurement.
- To discuss the role of ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring in patient evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM).
- Analysis of data from self-monitoring of BP (home BP monitoring).
Main Results:
- Ambulatory BP is directly associated with cardiovascular risk.
- BP reduction from day to night is inversely associated with risk.
- ABPM identifies high-risk patients independently of clinic BP readings.
Conclusions:
- Out-of-office BP monitoring enhances identification of white-coat and masked hypertension.
- These methods are valuable for assessing BP control in patients on medication.
- ABPM and home BP monitoring improve clinical management of hypertensive patients.
Abstract:
This American Society of Hypertension position paper focuses on the importance of out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement for the clinical management of patients with hypertension and its complications. Studies have supported direct and independent associations of cardiovascular risk with ambulatory BP and inverse associations with the degree of BP reduction from day to night. Self-monitoring of the BP (or home BP monitoring) also has advantages in evaluating patients with hypertension, especially those already on drug treatment, but less is known about its relation to future cardiovascular events. Data derived from ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) allow the identification of high-risk patients, independent from the BP obtained in the clinic or office setting. While neither ABPM nor self-BP monitoring are mandatory for the routine diagnosis of hypertension, these modalities can enhance the ability for identification of white-coat and masked hypertension and evaluate the extent of BP control in patients on drug therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:11Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Preparation:
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.