An ABPM is a small device worn over a 24 hour period that checks your blood pressure every 20-30 minutes. It is a Gold standard test used to help diagnose high blood pressure (a major risk factor of coronary heart disease and heart failure), monitor the effectiveness of therapy, and help distinguish between true and "white coat" hypertension – a condition where the blood pressure is increased in a physician’s office due to patient’s anxiety.

It is acceptable that all hypertensive patients should undergo an ABPM at least once in the evaluation of this condition.