24hr Blood Pressure Monitoring

24hr Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP)

24 hour blood pressure monitoring (sometimes referred to as ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring) is a continuous test to measure your blood pressure for 24 hours. It provides a more reliable measure of your blood pressure than an one-off measurement taken by your doctor at the clinic, as some patients may feel anxious in a medical environment, resulting in an abnormally high reading when their blood pressure is measured. ABP measurements add considerably to the accurate diagnosis of hypertension and the provision of optimal care.

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What happens during 24hr Blood Pressure Monitoring?

You will wear a portable blood pressure monitor for 24 to 48 hours as you go about your normal daily routine and throughout the night (including sleep). The blood pressure monitor is generally about the size of a mobile phone and is connected to a cuff attached to your upper arm, which will automatically inflate during at regular intervals to take your blood pressure. You will be instructed to keep a detailed diary of activity, posture, sleep and medication times to allow interpretation of the relationship between blood pressure and activity.

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Preparing for 24hr Blood Pressure Monitoring

Since the ABP monitor is not waterproof, it is important to avoid bathing, showering, and swimming while you’re wearing the monitor. 

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What are the risks associated with 24hr Blood Pressure Monitoring?

There are generally no risks involved in wearing the ABP monitor itself. The blood pressure cuff may cause bruising, swelling or minor discomfort at the application site, although this is not common. You may simply take off the cuff if this becomes intolerable for you.

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