Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
A non-invasive, 24-hour diagnostic test using a wearable, portable monitor and arm cuff to automatically measure blood pressure (typically every 30 mins) during daily routines.
It provides a clearer picture of, or helps confirm, suspected hypertension (high blood pressure) by capturing readings while sleeping, active, or stressed.
What is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?
Measuring your blood pressure is a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is either too high, or too low. If your blood pressure is too high, this can lead to heart failure and strokes. As such, this easy test may save your life.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is more accurate than isolated single BP measurements. The ABMP test is carried out over a 24-hour period, and enables you to move around and continue with your normal daily life.
Why might I need my blood pressure monitoring?
- Accurate readings: Monitoring your blood pressure over 24 hours provides a fuller picture of your blood pressure compared to a single reading in a clinic (called “white coat syndrome”)
- To diagnose high blood pressure (hypertension)
- To assess how well any medication is controlling your blood pressure
- To assess exactly when your blood pressure increases or decreases – for example, nocturnal hypertension (high blood pressure during sleep) or masked hypertension (normal blood pressure at the doctor’s office but high at home).
What happens during ABPM?
You will need to wear a device on your waist that is attached to a cuff on your upper arm. The device will measure your blood pressure at regular intervals (approximately every 30 minutes during the daytime and 60 minutes during the night ) throughout the specified period. You will need to keep the monitor on at night to get an accurate 24-hour reading.
Keep your arm relaxed when the cuff inflates and avoid talking. If the reading fails the cuff will inflate again.
You should carry on with your normal daily activities but please avoid strenuous exercise. Do not swim or have a bath or shower until the device is removed. Place the device under your pillow or on your bed while you sleep. You may be asked to keep a diary of your activities
Once your 24-hour period is over, return your machine to Harrow Health Care Centre. Your results will have then be downloaded and analysed.
