High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Effective management of hypertension is essential for good health. Traditional blood pressure (BP) measurement methods, such as manual sphygmomanometer or automated devices, provide only one reading and may not accurately reflect a person’s BP throughout the day.
Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) provides a more accurate and comprehensive solution. The technology that allows this has revolutionized hypertension management by allowing for higher quality measurement and tracking of BP measurements. In this article, we will cover what ABPM is, the benefits of 24-hour ABPM, and how remote patient monitoring (RPM) plays a role in managing high BP.
What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring?
ABPM is a way of measuring BP levels non-invasively over a 24-hour period. It involves attaching a small, portable device called an ABPM blood pressure cuff to the patient’s arm. The device automatically records BP readings at set intervals, providing a more complete picture of an individual’s BP levels compared to traditional methods.
Patients undergoing ABPM are asked to wear the blood pressure cuff for the duration of the 24-hour period, and to keep a diary of their activities and symptoms they experience. The readings are typically taken every 20 to 30 minutes during the day and night, giving an accurate representation of an individual’s normal BP levels. This method takes into account the changes in BP levels that occur throughout the day and night.
Advantages of 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Improved Accuracy of Hypertension Tracking
ABPM offers a more precise reflection of an individual’s BP levels compared to traditional office or clinic measurements. The measurement of BP during normal daily activities in a relaxed environment eliminates the “white coat syndrome” phenomenon where BP can increase due to anxiety when a patient visits a provider’s medical facility.
Detection of White Coat Syndrome and Masked Hypertension
ABPM is instrumental in detecting “white coat syndrome,” where BP is elevated during a patient’s doctor’s visit but normal at other times, and “masked hypertension,” which is where BP is normal during a doctor’s visit but elevated at other times. It provides a comprehensive view of blood pressure changes throughout the day, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommend ABPM for individuals suspected of experiencing “white coat” hypertension.
Better Evaluation of Hypertension Treatment
ABPM allows for a more accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of hypertension treatment. By measuring BP levels throughout the day and night, healthcare providers can make necessary adjustments for better control of hypertension and reduced cardiovascular risk.
Increased Patient Compliance and Engagement
ABPM promotes patient engagement and compliance in their own healthcare by regularly measuring BP levels and providing a complete understanding of their condition. Increased understanding leads to improved treatment outcomes and helps prevent chronic health problems.
ABPM with DrKumo Remote Patient Monitoring
Streamlined ABPM with RPM Technology
DrKumo RPM technology revolutionizes the process of incorporating ABPM into a hypertension management program. The RPM platform is user-friendly, accessible through mobile devices, and is fully HIPAA compliant. Utilizing AI/ML technology, the platform streamlines and enhances the healthcare management process.
Real-Time BP Monitoring
DrKumo is a cloud-based platform that provides healthcare providers with the ability to remotely monitor their patients’ vital signs, including BP, through the use of wearable ABPM devices. The platform offers real-time and continuous monitoring, allowing for a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the patient’s condition at all times.
Adjustable Treatment Plans
With the ability to access real-time BP readings, healthcare providers can use the data to continuously adjust treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. The platform integrates with ABPM devices to capture both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, offering a complete view of the patient’s BP monitoring progress.
Secure Communication
DrKumo enables secure and efficient communication between healthcare providers and patients. Patients can easily send their BP readings to their healthcare provider through the platform, while healthcare providers can provide feedback or make necessary treatment adjustments. This streamlined communication process enhances the overall BP monitoring experience.
Takeaways
Twenty-four hour BP monitoring is a game-changer in hypertension management. It provides a more comprehensive and accurate picture of an individual’s BP levels, leading to improved accuracy in tracking hypertension, better evaluation of the effectiveness of hypertension treatment, and enhanced patient compliance and engagement in their own care. The combination of DrKumo RPM technology and ABPM has simplified hypertension management programs, making it more accessible and manageable.
Take control of your hypertension today by incorporating 24-hour BP monitoring with the help of RPM technology. Contact DrKumo now to improve your quality of life by having a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of your blood pressure levels.
