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.
During the test, a small digital monitor will be attached to your upper arm by a secure cuff to keep it in place.
Why might I need my Blood Pressure Monitoring?
Measuring your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period will allow your consultant to get a clear picture of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day.
Your consultant may suggest 24-hour monitoring to you because they want to see if:
- Your readings are higher at OneWelbeck Heart Health or higher outside of the centre
- Any medicines you may be taking are working effectively
- Your blood pressure stays high overnight
What do I need to do when having my Blood Pressure Monitored?
After your monitor has been fitted, it will take your blood pressure at regular intervals, approximately every 15-30 minutes during the daytime and 30-60 minutes during the night. You will need to keep the monitor on at night to get an accurate 24-hour reading.
When the monitor is just about to take a reading, the machine will beep. For the machine to work properly, it’s important that you:
- Sit down if it is possible to do so
- Keep the cuff at the same level as your heart
- Keep your arm steady
Once your 24-hour period is over, you can return your machine to OneWelbeck Heart Health. Your results will have already been automatically stored.
