Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM): Monitoring Your Blood Pressure Around the Clock

At Subang Jaya Medical Centre's Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Department, we recognise the importance of accurately monitoring your blood pressure over an extended period. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a non-invasive diagnostic test that comprehensively evaluates your blood pressure patterns throughout the day and night.

During ABPM, a portable device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor is worn on your arm. The monitor is programmed to automatically inflate and measure your blood pressure at regular intervals, typically every 15 to 30 minutes during waking hours and less frequently during sleep. This continuous monitoring provides valuable data on your blood pressure fluctuations during daily activities, sleep, and rest.

1. Accurate Blood Pressure Assessment: ABPM provides a more accurate blood pressure assessment than occasional in-office measurements. It captures your blood pressure readings during your normal daily routine, eliminating the potential influence of the white coat effect (elevated blood pressure in a medical setting) and providing a more comprehensive understanding of your blood pressure control.

2. Detecting Masked Hypertension: ABPM helps identify masked hypertension, a condition where blood pressure readings in a clinical setting appear normal, but blood pressure remains elevated daily. Masked hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and requires appropriate management. ABPM can uncover this hidden condition and guide treatment decisions.

3. Evaluating Blood Pressure Medications: For patients with hypertension or those on blood pressure-lowering medications, ABPM provides crucial information on the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment. It helps assess blood pressure control throughout the day, ensuring optimal medication dosages and timing for the best therapeutic outcomes.