Blood Pressure Monitors
What is a Blood Pressure Monitor?
A blood pressure monitor is a small, wearable device that keeps track of your blood pressure. Typically, you wear the device for around 24 hours.
Why is this test performed?
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is requested to record your blood pressure at fixed intervals throughout a 24-hour period while you move around, living your normal everyday life.
What does a Blood Pressure Monitor look for?
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is requested to record your blood pressure at fixed intervals throughout a 24-hour period while you move around, living your normal everyday life.
Wearing an ambulatory blood pressure monitor can help evaluate certain conditions, such as:
- Suspected "white-coat" hypertension (including in pregnancy)
- When it is suspected that despite having a normal blood pressure in the surgery, your blood pressure is high overall (masked hypertension)
- High blood pressure during the sleeping hours (nocturnal hypertension)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) despite appropriate treatment
What happens during the appointment?
Our skilled technicians will fit you with a blood pressure monitor at your appointment. The size and the placement of the blood pressure cuff is important for the accuracy of your results, so it is important that you pay careful attention to the instructions that you are given regarding the placement of the cuff. The blood pressure cuff will be attached via a long, thin tube to a wearable recording device. This device controls how and when the monitor works. The device will be pre-set to inflate the blood pressure cuff at certain intervals to obtain a good representation of your overall blood pressure. The technician will also explain what will happen during the monitoring period and will give you the instructions that need to be followed during the monitoring period.
Can I take the monitor off?
The monitor needs to stay on until you return the following day for removal. You will not be able to switch off or remove the monitor yourself throughout the monitoring period. Removing the monitor while it is still switched on can cause damage to the machine, so please refrain from doing this. If you experience any discomfort during the monitoring period, please adjust the cuff as explained during the fitting process, or call our office for further advice.
What do I do while I am wearing the monitor?
It is recommended that you continue with your usual activities. However, the blood pressure monitor cannot get wet, or it will be irreparably damaged or broken. Therefore, it is very important that you do not swim or bathe for the entire time you are wearing your monitor. You will be given a diary and asked to keep a log of your activities for the time that you are wearing the monitor.
Write down what activities you do and exactly what time you do them. Also write down any symptoms you have while you are wearing the monitor, such as headaches or dizziness. This is important so that your activities can be correlated to your blood pressure and can help with the diagnosis of your condition. There is also a button to press if you are symptomatic, which will take a blood pressure reading at the time of your symptoms. This is helpful if your symptom occurs in between the scheduled readings.
Is there any preparation for this test?
Because the monitor cannot get wet, it is advisable to bathe or shower before you come to your appointment. For your own comfort, we recommend you wear a loose or short sleeved top. Unless instructed otherwise, continue to take your medications as they are prescribed.
