AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE
An ‘Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor’ is a device that will measure your blood pressure
over a 24 hour period. It is worn during regular daily activities under regular clothing.
It is used to determine the pattern of your blood pressure during the day and night. It
helps to determine the need for blood pressure medication or whether existing medication
is providing adequate control. It is also useful in the diagnosis of “white-coat
hypertension”, a condition where blood pressure only appears to be elevated when it is
measured at the doctor’s surgery.
Preparing for the Procedure – What do you need to do?
The only requirement is that the patient wear loose-fitting clothes. You should wear a top
with loose fitting sleeves as the device is attached to your arm.
Procedure – What happens?
A blood pressure cuff is attached to the arm. It is loose fitting, but it tightens at regular
intervals, usually on an hourly basis, in order to take the blood pressure.
Discomfort may
be experienced during the night when the device take blood pressure, but you will need to
leave the device to do its work for the test to be valid.
How long does it take?
It takes approximately 5 minutes to apply the monitor and less than 5 minutes to remove
it.
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Possible Complications And Risk
Blood pressure monitoring is extremely safe and no different than carrying around a small
tape recorder for 24 hours.
Follow-up Care
You will be asked to make an appointment for a short revisit with Dr Flood so that he can
go through the outcomes of the test with you. He will also write a letter to your GP
highlighting the outcomes of the test.
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