Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: another tool for the diagnosis and management of hypertension.

Office BP measurements are unable to detect 24-hour variability in blood pressure. ABPM is a tool that can assess BP at extended intervals, aiding in the diagnosis of white coat hypertension, masked hypertension and nighttime non-dipping status. Value exists in knowing a patient's BP variability so the appropriate treatment regimen can be determined or overtreatment can be avoided, all in an effort to decrease a patient's cardiovascular risk and potential for negative outcomes.