ABPM Monitors: 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is the diagnostic standard for arterial hypertension under the ESH/ESC guidelines. ABPM detects white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension and assesses the 24-hour BP profile, parameters that office measurements cannot capture.

ABPM Diagnostic Thresholds

The European Society of Hypertension defines the following thresholds:

Types of ABPM Devices

There are three main types of monitors on the market:

• Oscillometric: the most common; they determine BP from pulsations in the cuff. Easy to use and ESH-validated;
• Auscultatory: they determine BP from Korotkoff sounds using a microphone. More accurate in patients with arrhythmias and obesity;
• Combined: they combine both methods for greater accuracy. Spacelabs 90217A, Schiller BR-102 plus;
• Cuffless: experimental technologies based on tonometry and photoplethysmography. Promising, but not yet validated for clinical practice.

Criteria for Choosing an ABPM Monitor

When choosing a device for clinical practice, consider:

• Validation to ESH (2010/2018) or AAMI protocols;
• Weight and size: patient comfort during 24-hour wear;
• Battery capacity: at least 48 hours of operation;
• Memory capacity: at least 300 measurements;
• Software: analysis of the 24-hour profile, dipping status and morning BP surge;
• Compatibility with cuffs of different sizes (S, M, L, XL).

Conclusion

A high-quality ABPM monitor is an essential tool for any cardiology practice. KombiMED supplies validated devices with Russian-language software and staff training.