TITLE:
Contribution of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) in the Screening and Diagnosis of Adult Hypertension at the Polyclinic “Alliance Médicale” in Bamako
AUTHORS:
Ibrahima Sagara, Hamidou Oumar Ba, Djénébou Traoré, Aissata Guindo, Ibrahim Dembélé, Boubacar Diarra, Mamadou Kassery Doumbia, Fatou Traoré, Ibrahim Coulibaly, Makan Camara, Simon Konaté, Ibrahima Sangaré, Noumou Sidibé, Ichaka Menta
KEYWORDS:
ABPM, Screening-Diagnosis, Hypertension, Bamako
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: ABPM is a blood pressure measurement performed outside of a doctor’s office using a fully automated device, mostly over a 24-hour period. There is limited data on ABPM in the private healthcare sector, motivating the present study. Objective: The objective was to analyze the contribution of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in screening and diagnosis of adults hypertension. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted at the Polyclinic “Alliance Médicale” between August 2022 and July 2025. It included all subjects aged 18 years or older, with no history of hypertension, who underwent ABPM. Results: Of the 289 ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) sessions performed during the study period, 104 were for treatment (36%) and 185 were for screening and diagnosis (64%). In the general population, the 30 - 44 (40%) and 45 - 59 (32%) age groups were the most represented, with a mean age of 45 ± 14 years and a range of 19 to 95 years. Males predominated (52%), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.08. The indication was for screening in 55 patients (30%) and for a diagnosis of hypertension in 130 patients (70%). The mean 24/7 blood pressure was 131 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 82 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, with a mean heart rate of 81 bpm. The mean pulse pressure was 50 mmHg and was abnormal in 11% of patients. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) confirmed the diagnosis of masked hypertension in 25% and white coat hypertension in 17%. The proportion of hypertension was 66%, both overall and for men and women, and increased with age. In those 60 and over, hypertension was more frequent in women than in men (92.3% vs. 61.1%). The mean age of hypertensive patients was 47 ± 13 years, with a male predominance and the most prevalent age groups being 30 - 44 years (40%) and 45 - 59 years (35%). A non-dipper profile was observed in 56% of hypertensive patients. Sixteen percent of hypertensive patients had a pulse pressure greater than or equal to 60 mmHg. Individuals aged 60 and over represented 60% of patients with abnormal pulse pressure and two-thirds of patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension is common, and its prevalence increases with age. Despite the availability of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), it is less frequently prescribed in daily practice.