24 Hour Blood Pressure monitor
What is it?
Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring involves measuring blood pressure (BP) at regular periods over a 24 hour period while you undergo normal daily activities, including sleep. Patients should continue with normal daily activities, preferably including a work day rather than a rest day.
Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring involves measuring blood pressure (BP) at regular periods over a 24 hour period while you undergo normal daily activities, including sleep. Patients should continue with normal daily activities, preferably including a work day rather than a rest day.
What to expect
The monitor will automatically check your blood pressure every 30 minutes during day time hours (7am-10pm) and hourly during night time hours (10pm-7am). The portable monitor is worn on a belt connected to a standard blood pressure cuff worn on the arm. A top with loose sleeves will best accommodate the cuff and a firm waistband will help support the monitor. The device must not get wet, therefore you will not be able to shower/bathe during the 24 hour reading. When the test is complete, the device is connected to a computer that prepares a report of the 24 hour readings, day time, night time and average readings. Ambulatory monitoring is safe and is not usually associated with complications; however inflation of the cuff may cause some transient discomfort, particularly in people with hypertension. |
Why is it done?
Indications for wearing an Ambulatory Blood Pressure (ABP) monitor include
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