24 hr BP Monitor
What is a 24hr BP Monitor?
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small portable device that records a person’s blood pressure at regular intervals for up to 24-hours whilst a person goes about their usual activities, including sleep.
The device is attached directly to a cuff around your arm or a belt around the body and is connected via a tube to a cuff wrapped around the arm.
Regular ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over a 24-hour period is important as it provides valuable insights into the fluctuations and control of blood pressure throughout the day and night. There are several reasons why your doctor might suggest this test:
- To confirm the presence and extent of hypertension.
- To differentiate between true hypertension and the “white coat effect”, where readings are elevated in a clinical setting.
- To evaluate the extent of blood pressure variability throughout the day.
- To assess the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications and their 24-hour efficacy.
- To see if your blood pressure stays high at night. If this is the case, your doctor may want to change or adjust your medicines.
Preparing for your visit
- The blood pressure cuff is wrapped and fixed around your upper arm and either arm can be used.
- The digital blood pressure machine is attached directly to a cuff around your upper arm or a belt around the body and is connected via a tube to a cuff wrapped around the arm.
- The technician will check that the battery life is sufficient for 24 hrs, and the machine is operating as required.
- The cuff will inflate every 30-60 minutes as per the set intervals during the day and night and then slowly deflates to record the blood pressure measurements for later analysis.
- 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 usually do.
At the completion of 24 hours, you can remove the machine and cuff yourself and it must be returned the following day to the same clinic you had the appointment at or as instructed by the technician. If it’s worn on a Friday, please make sure that it’s taken off and switched off after 24 hrs on Saturday and returned on Monday for the machine data to be analysed.
- Do not switch the monitor off at night, as nighttime readings are equally important.
- Avoid swimming and having a bath or shower while the machine is attached.
- It is also advisable to avoid vigorous physical exertion while the cuff is being inflated.
- To allow the machine to work properly, it is important to make sure that the tube from the machine to the cuff is not twisted or bent.
- Just before the machine is about to take a reading, it will beep. When this happens, you should try to relax, keep your arm steady and sit down if possible.
- You will also be asked to keep a diary of what you were doing just before the reading was taken, what time you went to sleep and what time did you get up in the morning.
- Some people find 24-hour ABPM distracting and uncomfortable: if you feel like this when the readings are being taken, please tell your doctor about this as it may affect your readings.
24-Hour BP Monitor - How the Test is Done
The monitor records your blood pressure at fixed intervals over 24 hours while you go about your normal everyday life.
At HeartWest, staff take you to a separate room and fit a cuff around your upper arm, connected by a tube to a small machine worn on a belt around your waist.
The machine takes a reading every 30 to 60 minutes, day and night (it’s important not to switch it off overnight, as night-time readings matter just as much).
After 24 hours, you can either remove it yourself or return to HeartWest for staff to take it off. The data is then downloaded and a cardiologist completes a report that is sent to your referring doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Avoid swimming, baths and showers while the monitor is attached, as it isn’t waterproof. You’ll remove it yourself after 24 hours.
Keep wearing it overnight and don’t switch it off, as night-time readings are an important part of the test. When the cuff inflates, try to relax and keep your arm still.
You’ll feel the cuff tighten briefly each time it takes a reading, and it beeps just beforehand. Some people find it a little distracting and if it’s bothering you, let your doctor know, as it can affect your readings.
No. A blood pressure monitor records your blood pressure, while a Holter monitor records your heart’s rhythm. They’re different tests for different purposes, though your doctor may sometimes recommend both.
A booking is required and the monitor is fitted at a HeartWest clinic. You’ll generally need a referral from your GP or specialist. Your results are usually sent to your referring doctor within 4–5 days.
Other Cardiology Services
24hr Holter
Monitor
A 24-hour Holter monitor service provides continuous heart rhythm monitoring to detect irregularities or assess ongoing conditions.
Echocardiogram
(TTE)
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound that assesses heart structure and function in real time, and is valuable for diagnosing conditions.
Stress
Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram evaluates heart function and blood flow during exercise to assess cardiovascular health under exertion.
