This content has been prepared for informational purposes to protect public health, in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey and medical ethical rules. It does not provide any diagnosis, treatment guarantees, or specific medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for the most accurate information.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is the continuous measurement of blood pressure over 24 hours. It is the gold standard method for diagnosing hypertension and monitoring treatment.
What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring?#
ABPM is a portable blood pressure measuring device. It automatically records blood pressure at regular intervals during daily activities and sleep.
Advantages of ABPM:
- Continuous monitoring for 24 hours
- Day and night blood pressure profile
- Detection of white coat hypertension
- Detection of masked hypertension
- Evaluation of treatment efficacy
ABPM Indications#
Hypertension Diagnosis#
- Suspected white coat hypertension
- Suspected masked hypertension
- Borderline high blood pressure values
- Variable office blood pressure measurements
Treatment Follow-up#
- Antihypertensive treatment efficacy
- Medication dosage adjustment
- Resistant hypertension evaluation
- Hypotension symptoms
Special Conditions#
- Pregnancy hypertension
- Diabetic patients
- Chronic kidney disease patients
- Suspected sleep apnea
- Target organ damage evaluation
How is ABPM Performed?#
Preparation#
- No special preparation required
- Comfortable, sleeveless or loose-sleeved clothing recommended
- Normal daily activities can be continued
Device Application#
- Cuff placement: Appropriately sized cuff is placed on the arm
- Device connection: Recording device is attached to the waist
- Calibration: Initial measurements are taken to check accuracy
- Diary provision: For recording activities and symptoms
Measurement Intervals#
- Daytime: Every 15-30 minutes
- Nighttime: Every 30-60 minutes
Evaluation of ABPM Results#
Normal Values#
| Period | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour average | <130 | <80 |
| Daytime average | <135 | <85 |
| Nighttime average | <120 | <70 |
Parameters Evaluated#
- Average blood pressure values
- Blood pressure variability
- Nocturnal dipping
- Morning surge
- Blood pressure load
Nocturnal Dipping Pattern#
Normal Dipping#
- Nighttime BP decreases 10-20% compared to daytime
- Low cardiovascular risk
Non-dipper#
- Nocturnal decline less than 10%
- Increased cardiovascular risk
- High risk of target organ damage
Extreme Dipper#
- Nocturnal decline greater than 20%
- Risk of nocturnal hypotension
Reverse Dipper#
- Nighttime BP higher than daytime
- Highest cardiovascular risk
White Coat Hypertension#
High in office, normal at home and on ABPM. ABPM is important to avoid unnecessary medication.
Masked Hypertension#
Normal in office, high in daily life. Carries risk of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension.
ABPM in Treatment Follow-up#
- 24-hour evaluation of medication efficacy
- Dose adjustment decisions
- Checking whether treatment goals are achieved
- Side effect (hypotension) evaluation
Appointment and Contact#
For more information about ABPM and appointments:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)