Achieving accurate blood pressure measurement through conventional/clinic/office monitoring can be challenging because blood pressure may vary naturally throughout the day. Also some individuals with normal everyday blood pressure may exhibit higher blood pressure at the doctor’s office, known as white-coat hypertension, or observers may overemphasize the expected results (known as observer bias).
Health Quality Ontario Reviews 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a standard inflatable cuff attached to a small computer weighing about 500 grams, which is worn over the shoulder or on a belt. It records an individual’s blood pressure every 15 to 30 minutes during usual daily activities over a 24-hour period. Use of this device can help avoid some of the pitfalls of conventional/clinic/office blood pressure monitoring, such as observer bias and white-coat hypertension.
The Ministry has reviewed this recommendation and in light of new hypertension guidelines has asked Health Quality Ontario to consider prioritizing this topic again.