What are the key differences in the protocols for ABPM and HBPM according to current UK guidelines?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) should involve taking at least 2 measurements per hour during the person's usual waking hours, with the average of at least 14 measurements used to confirm hypertension .

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) requires the person to record 2 consecutive measurements, at least 1 minute apart, twice daily (morning and evening), over a period of at least 4 days (ideally 7 days). The first day's measurements are discarded, and the average of the remaining readings is used to confirm hypertension .

When confirming a diagnosis, ABPM uses an average of daytime measurements, while HBPM involves averaging multiple readings over several days, with specific protocols for measurement frequency and duration .

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