Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – 24h (SOMNOmedics)

Continuous 24-hour monitoring of blood pressure in real-life conditions to detect hidden hypertension and assess cardiovascular risk.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – 24h (SOMNOmedics)

Table of contents

Basic data

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) using the SOMNOmedics SOMNOtouch NIBP device provides continuous 24-hour measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure during normal daily activities and sleep. This method allows for precise assessment of blood pressure variability, detection of masked or nocturnal hypertension, and evaluation of dipping patterns that are strongly linked with cardiovascular risk.

Unlike office-based measurements, ABPM offers a real-world view of blood pressure behavior throughout the day and night, supporting more accurate diagnosis and therapy optimization.

Category: Wearable tests

Level: Intermediate

Usefulness: Medium

Level

Intermediate

Classified as Intermediate because it’s most useful once foundational lifestyle habits—such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition—are already optimized. This test adds deeper insight into cardiovascular dynamics for individuals who want to evaluate autonomic balance, circadian rhythm, or treatment effectiveness. It bridges the gap between simple home measurements and advanced cardiovascular diagnostics.

Usefulness

Medium

ABPM offers a richer and more accurate view of blood pressure patterns compared to one-time office readings, helping detect conditions that standard measurements often miss.
Detects masked and nocturnal hypertension

Identifies individuals whose blood pressure appears normal during clinic visits but is elevated during daily activities or sleep.

Evaluates circadian rhythm and dipping status

Determines whether nighttime blood pressure properly decreases (“dipper”) or remains elevated (“non-dipper”), which has major implications for cardiovascular risk.

Tracks medication and intervention effectiveness

Monitors how antihypertensive treatments or lifestyle changes influence real-world blood pressure control over 24 hours.

How it works

The SOMNOmedics SOMNOtouch NIBP device measures blood pressure through pulse transit time technology, enabling continuous, non-invasive monitoring over 24 hours.
Device calibration and setup

The device is fitted and calibrated at the clinic. It records continuously or at regular intervals throughout the day and night.

Continuous ambulatory recording

The patient wears the monitor during normal activities, work, and sleep. Data is later analyzed for average pressures, variability, and circadian patterns.

Measures

The ABPM report provides detailed insight into blood pressure behavior across 24 hours, segmented into daytime and nighttime periods.
24h, daytime, and nighttime blood pressure averages

Key indicators for hypertension diagnosis and assessment of daily variation.

Heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP)

Reflect overall cardiovascular load and autonomic tone throughout the day.

Dipping pattern classification

Categorizes subjects as dipper, non-dipper, or extreme dipper, aiding cardiovascular risk stratification.

Reliability

ABPM is considered a gold-standard diagnostic for hypertension and cardiovascular risk assessment.
High clinical reliability

Validated across multiple studies and recommended by international hypertension societies (e.g., ESC/ESH).

Dependent on user compliance

Data quality depends on consistent device wear and avoidance of excessive motion artifacts during measurement.

Limitations

While ABPM offers high diagnostic value, certain limitations should be noted.
Possible discomfort or disturbed sleep

Repeated cuff inflation may cause irritation or awakenings during the night.

Data variability due to daily activity

Stress, caffeine, and physical exertion can temporarily elevate readings; consistency across measurements is key.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Once every 12–24 months for individuals monitoring cardiovascular health or hypertension therapy. Repeat sooner if significant lifestyle or medication changes occur.

Cost

Typical costs

Usually ranges from $50–120 (≈250–600 PLN), depending on clinic and device type. Sometimes included in broader cardiovascular screening packages.

Availability

Where available

Commonly offered in cardiology centers, sleep clinics, and preventive health labs equipped with SOMNOmedics or similar systems.

Preparation

How to prepare

Wear loose-fitting clothing and continue regular daily activities, but avoid intense exercise, caffeine, and alcohol. Record sleep and activity periods in a provided diary for accurate report interpretation.

Interpretation

Results should be interpreted in the context of daily routines, stress levels, and sleep quality. Emphasis is placed on mean pressures, dipping pattern, and variability.
Average daytime vs. nighttime blood pressure

Helps identify nocturnal hypertension and evaluate autonomic regulation.

Dipping profile

Non-dipping or reverse-dipping patterns may indicate increased cardiovascular risk and disrupted circadian balance.

Alternatives

Home blood pressure monitoring

Convenient and inexpensive, but lacks continuous nighttime data and circadian insight.

Office-based readings

Quick and accessible, though subject to white-coat effects and limited temporal accuracy.

FAQ

What makes ABPM more accurate than regular BP measurement?

It tracks blood pressure continuously through daily life and sleep, avoiding stress-related elevation seen in clinic readings.

Can I sleep normally with the device?

Some users experience mild discomfort, but the information gained about nocturnal blood pressure is highly valuable.