High blood pressure is a major health issue worldwide, contributing to many deaths and serious illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, around 40% of adults have high blood pressure, and it causes about 9.4 million deaths every year. Because of this, checking blood pressure regularly is a key way to catch hypertension early and treat it before it leads to more serious problems [1].
Casual blood pressure measurements, often taken in clinics, are commonly used to assess blood pressure and help diagnose, monitor, and treat high blood pressure. However, many people tend to have higher blood pressure readings in the clinic than they do at home, a phenomenon known as “white coat hypertension.” This can affect the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment decisions [2]. The need for a device that could continuously monitor and record blood pressure over an extended period (at least 24 hours) led to the development of 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) devices.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a helpful method for getting a more accurate diagnosis of blood pressure. It involves wearing a device that measures the blood pressure throughout the day and night, giving doctors a better picture of the patient’s overall blood pressure levels [3].
How to interpret an ABPM report?
ABPM is considered the state‐of‐the art technology for BP measurement. Blood pressure (BP) typically goes up during the day when you’re awake and drops at night while you sleep. Ideally, your night-time BP should be more than 10% lower than during the day; this is called “dipping.” If it drops less than 10%, it’s called “non-dipping.” Some people even have a “reverse dipping” pattern, where their BP rises at night instead of falling, leading to higher levels than during the day—this is known as nocturnal hypertension.
There’s also a category called “extreme dipping,” where BP falls significantly (more than 20%) at night. For people who work shifts, their BP patterns might be different, so it’s important to check their BP while they’re awake at night and asleep during the day to understand their night-time BP status [4].
What is ABPM blood pressure normal range?
The following ranges categorize blood pressure readings during the day and night into optimal, normal, and abnormal levels. This helps identify whether a person’s blood pressure is within a healthy range or if there are concerns that need attention [5]:
Daytime:
Optimal: Less than 130/80 mm Hg (ideal for good health)
Normal: Less than 135/85 mm Hg (still considered acceptable)
Abnormal: Greater than 140/90 mm Hg (indicates high blood pressure)
Night-time:
Optimal: Less than 115/75 mm Hg (ideal while sleeping)
Normal: Less than 120/70 mm Hg (acceptable for night-time)
Abnormal: Greater than 125/75 mm Hg (indicates high blood pressure during sleep)
What is the best ABPM device?
When it comes to accurately monitoring blood pressure over 24 hours, choosing the right ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device is essential. These devices provide valuable insights into your blood pressure patterns, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. With various options available on the market, it’s important to identify which ABPM device stands out in terms of accuracy, user-friendliness, and advanced features.
Arteriograph24 emerges as the best ABPM device. It offers a range of features, including detailed reporting, and easy-to-use software. With its high accuracy and ability to provide comprehensive blood pressure & pulse wave analysis data, the Arteriograph24 is an excellent choice for both patients and healthcare professionals looking for reliable and effective monitoring solutions.