This test measures your heart rate and blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours.
It involves a blood pressure cuff on your arm, connected to a small device that records the measurements. Everything will be hidden neatly under your clothing.
The blood pressure cuff is loose fitting when deflated. Every 30 minutes during the day, and every 45 minutes at night, the blood pressure cuff will automatically inflate and tighten around your arm. This is when your blood pressure will be measured and recorded.
The device will be used to determine the blood pressure load that your heart, organs and vessels are under during a 24-hour period. The monitor can help to determine if your blood pressure needs to be managed. And if you’re already on blood pressure treatment, the test can help assess how effective it is.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitors are also useful in diagnosing ‘white coat’ hypertensiona condition where blood pressure only appears to be elevated when measured in a clinical setting.
While you are undergoing the test and wearing the monitor, you should go about your normal day, including exercise. Just make sure the device isn’t removed and stays dry.
We suggest you shower just before you get the monitor connected and wear a two-piece outfit during the 24-hour period of the test.
