ABP is a useful tool to monitor blood pressure over a 24 hour period. A blood pressure cuff is applied to the patient’s upper arm, and a small wearable machine (size of a small wallet) will inflate the cuff on a regular basis (eg. every 30 minutes) and records the blood pressure readings.
 
ABP is particularly useful in assessing blood pressure in patients with “white-coat” hypertension, where the blood pressure readings at a doctor’s surgery may be higher than usual. ABP allows blood pressure recordings to take place outside of the doctor’s office, and the patient is able to go to work or perform usual daily activities. It is also useful in establishing the pattern of blood pressure during the day.