24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring is a diagnostic test used to assess a person’s blood pressure throughout a full day and night cycle. This test involves wearing a portable blood pressure monitor that is attached to a belt or shoulder strap and takes readings at regular intervals, usually every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night.

The main advantage of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring over traditional office-based BP measurements is that it provides a more accurate and comprehensive picture of a person’s BP patterns, including their average BP levels, the variability of their BP, and how their BP responds to daily activities and changes in position. This can help healthcare providers to identify and diagnose conditions such as hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

During the monitoring period, it is important for the person to maintain their usual daily activities and sleep schedule as much as possible, while also avoiding activities that could interfere with the accuracy of the readings, such as heavy exercise, bathing, or taking certain medications.

After the monitoring period is complete, the results can be analyzed by a healthcare provider to determine whether a person has normal BP, high BP (hypertension), or low BP (hypotension), and to recommend appropriate treatment and management strategies based on the individual’s needs.