Blood pressure monitoring is an essential diagnostic tool in the medical field used to assess cardiovascular health. Through regular or continuous measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, it allows tracking of vascular tension and cardiac function changes. The primary goal of this treatment is to detect hypertension, hypotension, or abnormal blood pressure fluctuations early, thereby preventing complications such as heart disease and stroke. Based on clinical needs, monitoring methods can be divided into home self-measurement, clinic measurement, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), providing different levels of blood pressure variation information.
Blood pressure monitoring techniques mainly include three types: home electronic sphygmomanometer measurement, clinic auscultation measurement, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Electronic sphygmomanometers detect pulse vibrations via cuff inflation and convert data into numerical values; auscultation relies on physicians interpreting Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope; ambulatory monitoring involves wearing a portable device that automatically measures every 15-30 minutes over 24 hours. These methods reflect the state of vascular resistance and cardiac pumping function, but ambulatory monitoring is better at capturing blood pressure fluctuations during daily activities.
This treatment is suitable for primary hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension, efficacy tracking after medication therapy, and suspected masked hypertension. Regular monitoring can prevent acute events in patients with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. Special cases such as "white coat hypertension" (pseudo-high blood pressure caused by anxiety in clinical settings) require ambulatory monitoring to exclude errors, and elderly patients may need more frequent monitoring due to arteriosclerosis.
Home monitoring is recommended to be performed at fixed times in the morning and evening. Before measurement, patients should rest quietly for 5 minutes, with the cuff positioned at the same level as the heart. Ambulatory monitoring requires installation of sensors by healthcare personnel, with patients maintaining normal activities over 24 hours, and data being downloaded and analyzed during follow-up visits. In special cases such as pregnant women, increased afternoon measurements may be necessary, as preeclampsia often causes elevated blood pressure in the evening.
Ambulatory monitoring can capture blood pressure fluctuation patterns during daily activities, such as morning peaks or abnormal changes during sleep, which are crucial for personalized treatment planning.
Most monitoring methods carry very low risks, but long-term ambulatory monitoring may cause temporary limb discomfort due to cuff tightness. A few patients may develop skin allergies to sensor contact materials, which should be reported immediately to healthcare providers. Errors such as body movement during measurement can distort data, so strict adherence to operational protocols is necessary.
Contraindications include severe peripheral vascular disease and allergies to monitoring device materials. During operation, attention should be paid to:
Blood pressure monitoring itself does not directly interact with medications, but the data results may influence antihypertensive drug dose adjustments. For example, if ambulatory monitoring shows uncontrolled nocturnal blood pressure, physicians may adjust medication timing. When used with wearable devices such as ECG monitors, electromagnetic interference issues should be considered.
Multiple studies have confirmed that ambulatory monitoring reduces the misdiagnosis rate of uncontrolled hypertension by 23% and improves the accuracy of treatment adjustments. The 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend 48-hour ambulatory monitoring for suspected masked hypertension, with a sensitivity 40% higher than single clinic measurements. Long-term follow-up data show that regular monitoring can reduce stroke risk by 15-20%.
Alternatives include traditional clinic measurements and biometric sensing technology in smartwatches, but each has limitations:
Special cases such as patients with limb disabilities can use finger blood pressure monitors, but attention should be paid to differences in blood flow resistance at measurement sites.
Avoid eating, smoking, or exercising 30 minutes before measurement, and stay quiet for 5 minutes. Use an appropriately sized cuff, keep the arm at heart level, and avoid tight clothing. It is recommended to measure at the same time daily, record results for three consecutive days, and then have a healthcare professional analyze the data.
Should I stop medication immediately if I experience dizziness after taking antihypertensive drugs?Dizziness may be a side effect of medication or a sign of excessive blood pressure reduction. Sit or lie down to prevent falls. If the symptoms are brief and mild, you can temporarily stop the medication and notify your physician immediately. Do not stop medication on your own; the doctor may adjust the dose or medication type to alleviate discomfort.
What nutrients should I pay attention to in my diet to help control blood pressure?Increase intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, such as bananas, spinach, and low-fat dairy products, which can help mitigate the effects of sodium. Reduce hidden salt in processed foods, canned goods, and fast food, with a daily sodium intake below 2300 mg. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in deep-sea fish) can improve vascular elasticity.
How can I avoid blood pressure fluctuations during aerobic exercise?Choose moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking or swimming, and avoid sudden intense exertion. Measure blood pressure before and after exercise. If resting blood pressure exceeds 180/110 mmHg, exercise should be paused. If symptoms like headache or chest tightness occur during exercise, stop immediately and seek medical evaluation.
After blood pressure is well-controlled, how often should comprehensive complication screening be performed?Even if blood pressure is controlled, it is recommended to undergo kidney function, retinal examination, and electrocardiogram every 6 to 12 months to detect cardiovascular or renal complications early. If diabetes or hyperlipidemia is present, screening frequency should be adjusted in consultation with a healthcare provider.
%201.svg)
Copyright © 2025 MedFrontiers. All Rights Reserved.
