Effects of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on daily activities.

Compared the self-monitored activities, locations, and postural positions of 28 hypertensives while they wore an alarm watch and then while they wore a 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) to see if wearing the ABPM led to alterations in behavior. Significant differences were found in frequency of being at home or in miscellaneous settings; in standing and reclining positions; and in mental, physical, and miscellaneous activities between the 2 occasions. For the most part, differences were in the direction of showing lower overall blood pressure while wearing the ABPM than would have been found at the same time while wearing the watch. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)