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Cardiolucent

Procedure

24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

The gold-standard test for true blood pressure assessment

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) uses a small automated cuff and recorder worn for 24 hours to capture blood pressure readings every 15 to 30 minutes during the day and every 30 to 60 minutes at night. It is the most accurate way to diagnose hypertension, identify white-coat and masked hypertension, and assess whether your nighttime blood pressure is dropping appropriately — a powerful predictor of cardiovascular risk that no in-office reading can match.

What's Included

  • Calibrated automated arm cuff and digital recorder
  • Daytime readings every 15 to 30 minutes
  • Nighttime readings every 30 to 60 minutes
  • 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime average analysis
  • Nocturnal dipping assessment
  • Activity and symptom diary correlation
  • Personal review of results with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

The device is fitted in the Beverly Hills office in about 15 minutes. A standard blood-pressure cuff is placed on your non-dominant arm and connected to a small recorder worn at the waist. You go about a typical day, sleep normally, and return the device the next day for download and analysis.

How to Prepare

  • Wear a loose short-sleeve shirt so the cuff can be placed easily.
  • Take all routine blood-pressure medications unless instructed otherwise.
  • Plan to keep a short diary noting sleep, exercise, and any symptoms.
  • Avoid intense upper-arm exercise during the recording window.
  • Do not get the device wet — sponge bathe rather than shower during the 24 hours.

What to Expect After

Return the device for download — usually within 24 to 48 hours. The recording is processed and Dr. Kedan reviews the full report personally, including daytime average, nighttime average, dipping pattern, and any concerning peaks. Treatment decisions — starting, adjusting, or de-escalating medication — are made from the actual round-the-clock picture rather than a single in-office reading.

Indications

  • Suspected white-coat hypertension (high in office, normal at home)
  • Suspected masked hypertension (normal in office, high at home)
  • Confirmation of diagnosis before starting lifelong medication
  • Resistant hypertension despite multiple medications
  • Episodic symptoms (flushing, headaches, lightheadedness)
  • Assessment of nighttime blood pressure and dipping pattern
  • Verification of adequate 24-hour medication coverage

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?
It is a 24-hour recording of your blood pressure performed by an automated cuff that inflates every 15 to 60 minutes during normal daily life. The result is a far more complete picture than the one or two readings captured at an office visit, and it is considered the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension.
Why is a 24-hour study better than office or home readings?
Office readings are subject to white-coat effect and capture only a moment. Home readings rely on patient technique and motivation. ABPM captures dozens of readings across every situation — sleep, work, exercise, stress — and the averages predict cardiovascular risk far better than any other measurement strategy.
How long is it worn?
24 hours, fitted in the office in the morning and returned the following morning.
How do I prepare?
Wear a loose short-sleeve shirt, take medications as usual, and plan to keep a short diary noting sleep, exercise, and any symptoms. Avoid intense upper-arm exercise during the recording.
Is the cuff uncomfortable?
It is a standard blood-pressure cuff that inflates briefly several times an hour. Most patients tolerate it well, though some find the nighttime inflations briefly disruptive to sleep. The information yield strongly justifies a single inconvenient night.
Can I shower or exercise during the recording?
Sponge bathe rather than shower — the device cannot get wet. Moderate exercise is fine; avoid heavy upper-arm work that would interfere with cuff readings.
What does the report show?
Average blood pressure over 24 hours, daytime average, nighttime average, the percentage of readings that exceeded target, blood-pressure load, and your nocturnal dipping pattern. Loss of normal nighttime dipping is itself a marker of elevated cardiovascular risk.
Who interprets the results?
Dr. Kedan personally reviews every ABPM report and discusses it with you at a dedicated follow-up visit.
When will I get my results?
Usually within 3 to 5 business days after the device is returned.
How do I schedule one?
Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555. The device is fitted in the Beverly Hills office, often the same day as a consultation.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.