What is it? Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is when your blood pressure is being measured over the course of 24hrs, as you move around engaging in your normal daily activities. A small digital blood pressure machine is attached to a belt around your body which is connected to a cuff around your upper arm.

 Why I might I need it? By measuring your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours, your doctor is able to get a clearer picture of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day. There are a number of reasons why your doctor might suggest this test, some examples include:

• They may want to find out if your high blood pressure readings in the clinic are higher than they are away from the clinic (called “white coat syndrome”).
• They may want to see how well your medications are working, to ensure your blood pressure is controlled through the day.
• They may want to see if your blood pressure stays high at night. If this is the case, they may need to change or adjust your medications.

What happens during 24-hour blood pressure monitoring?

The machine takes blood pressure readings at regular intervals throughout the day; every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes at night. You will need to keep the monitor on through the night.

Because the test is being carried out to find out what your normal daily blood pressure is, it is important to carry on with your normal routine and do all the things you would normally do. The only things you should avoid doing for the day are swimming and having a bath or shower.

At the end of the 24 hours, you will turn off the machine, remove the cuff and return it to the PCN. The machine will have stored all your readings which will be sent directly to your doctor for interpretation.

What do I need to do during 24-hour blood pressure monitoring?

DO:

• Wear a loose-fitting shirt
• Record sleep/wake time, symptoms and activity in the patient diary provided
• Activate a reading using the event button at the first sign of symptoms
• Remain motionless during readings

DON’T:

• Crimp the air hose
• Remove the cuff
• Get the monitor wet (no shower, bath or swimming), or expose monitor to humidity or cold weather
• Use power tools or heavy equipment during monitor period
• Remove the batteries from unit