Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)?
ABPM is a non-invasive test that automatically measures and records blood pressure at regular intervals (usually every 15–30 minutes) for 24 hours using a small device attached to a cuff placed on the patient’s arm.
What is it for?
It helps evaluate blood pressure trends during normal daily activities and sleep, overcoming the limitations of single in-office measurements (such as white-coat effect). It is useful for diagnosing specific forms of hypertension and assessing the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapies.
Main Indications
- Suspected white-coat or masked hypertension
- Confirmation of a hypertension diagnosis
- Assessment of treatment efficacy
- Resistant hypertension despite therapy
- Symptoms potentially linked to blood pressure variations (headache, dizziness, nosebleeds)
- Hypotension in elderly or medicated patients
How is it performed?
A cuff is placed on the patient’s arm and connected to a portable recorder. The device automatically measures blood pressure at set intervals throughout the 24-hour period. The patient can move and work as usual but is advised to remain still during measurements. It is helpful to keep a diary of activities and any symptoms experienced.
What clinical data can be obtained?
- Average systolic and diastolic pressure over 24 hours, daytime, and nighttime
- Circadian blood pressure profile (especially nighttime behavior: dipper, non-dipper, riser)
- Hypertensive peaks or hypotensive episodes
- Evaluation of blood pressure variability
- Blood pressure response to different moments of the day (stress, activity, rest)
Scientific References and Guidelines – ABPM
- ESC/ESH Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension (2018)
European Society of Cardiology / European Society of Hypertension
ABPM is recommended for:- diagnostic confirmation of hypertension
- assessment of dipping status
- evaluation of treatment effectiveness
Link: ESC/ESH Guidelines 2018 – Hypertension
- Italian Society of Hypertension (SIIA) Guidelines
ABPM is considered the reference standard for a complete evaluation of 24-hour blood pressure.
Source: www.siia.it - U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – Recommendation Statement (2021)
Recommends ABPM to confirm hypertension diagnosis in asymptomatic adults.
Link: USPSTF Hypertension Screening
Note for website readers
“All described tests are performed according to the recommendations of major international scientific societies and in line with ESC/ESH Guidelines and Italian clinical practice standards.”
How to Book a Blood Pressure Monitoring Test
To schedule an exam or request more information, please contact our center:
Studio Medico Dr. Salvatore Tribastone
Phone: +39 324 847 1011
Email: segreteria@tribastone.it
Please note: this service is available for the Catania Area only