[Non-invasive ambulatory recording of blood pressure. Current data].

Recent advances in medical technology have made it possible to non invasively record ambulatory blood pressure over 24 hours. This new method of measurement has a lot of advantages over the classic way: it enables a satisfactory approach of blood pressure circadian rhythm; it seems to be more reliable than clinic readings of blood pressure, which may be subjects to some confounding variables (e.g. observer bias, digit preference, defence reaction...); it appears to be better at predicting cardiovascular prognosis of hypertensive patients and is more closely correlated with target organ damage; finally, in some instances, it may help the physician to determine whether or not antihypertensive treatment should be initiated or adjusted. The limits and drawbacks of the method are also pointed out and, from a practical point of view, some recommendations are given to perform it only in most relevant circumstances.