Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Primary Care

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) has become an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of hypertension in primary care. This review aims to elucidate the theoretical foundations, clinical applications, and benefits of ABPM, emphasizing its role in improving patient outcomes. ABPM provides a more accurate assessment of blood pressure (BP) by recording measurements over 24 hours during a patient’s normal daily activities and sleep. It is particularly useful in diagnosing white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension, assessing BP variability, and evaluating the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy. ABPM enhances diagnostic accuracy, risk stratification, and patient management, leading to better clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in primary care settings. Despite its limitations, the benefits of ABPM in guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes are substantial. Future research should focus on expanding the accessibility of ABPM and refining data interpretation techniques to maximize its clinical utility in primary care.