HBPMABPM

HBPMABPM is an umbrella term used to describe the integrated use of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to assess and manage hypertension. It encompasses the complementary data provided by patient-driven home measurements and 24-hour ambulatory measurements.

HBPM involves patient self-measurement with validated devices, typically twice daily for 1 week or longer; ABPM uses an automated cuff worn for 24 hours to record BP at regular intervals, including daytime and nocturnal periods. Combined interpretation looks for consistency, patterns such as white coat or masked hypertension, and nocturnal hypertension.

Clinical use includes confirming diagnosis after elevated office readings, evaluating treatment response, and stratifying cardiovascular risk. Guidelines in some regions endorse HBPM and ABPM as diagnostic tools when office BP is inconclusive or when determining nocturnal BP patterns.

Advantages and limitations: HBPM is accessible, low-cost, and suitable for ongoing monitoring; ABPM provides 24-hour profiles including sleep BP but can be inconvenient and less accepted by patients; Data quality depends on device validation and user training; There is variability in protocols for combining HBPM and ABPM data.

Evidence and trends: Research indicates ABPM as stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than office BP; HBPM also predicts outcomes and can be used to track treatment. The HBPMABPM approach aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions, though standardized integration remains under development.

See also: White-coat hypertension, Masked hypertension, Home blood pressure monitoring, Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.