Having a 24-hour blood pressure monitor
A blood pressure monitor is used to measure and record your blood pressure over a 24-hour period during your normal daily routine. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes used to diagnose a condition called white coat hypertension, which is when high blood pressure readings are caused by being in a clinical environment, such as a doctor’s surgery or a hospital. It can also be used to assess the use of medication for blood pressure control.
Preparing for your appointment
You will need to wear something with loose sleeves so that we can put a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm. The monitor itself will be attached to a belt around your waist.
At the appointment
The first step is to record your blood pressure manually in both arms and then we will attach the blood pressure monitor and cuff to your upper arm. The cuff will usually be attached to your non-dominant arm, for example to your left arm if you are right-handed. The arm cuff connects via a small tube to the monitoring device, which is a small box worn on a belt around your waist. The blood pressure cuff will be inflated during your appointment to check the device is recording correctly.
During your appointment we will ask you what time you get up and go to bed each day. We will then set-up the monitor to automatically record your blood pressure every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes throughout the night. During a recording the blood pressure cuff around your arm will inflate.
Wearing the monitor
When you feel the cuff starting to inflate you should try to sit down with your arm rested and straight (only do this where possible and safe to do so). You will need to keep still and quiet during the recording. If the monitor is unable to record your blood pressure, which can happen for a number of reasons, then it will automatically retry five minutes later, re-inflating the cuff again. The device is automated so you will not need to do anything.
It is important that you carry on with your normal daily routine whilst you are wearing the monitor. This includes any exercise you would normally do, as advised by your doctor (if applicable). You will be given a diary sheet to complete whilst wearing the monitor. Use this to make a note of the exact time and details of any symptoms you may experience. You will not be able to have a bath or a shower whilst you are wearing the monitor as it must stay dry.
Returning the monitor
At the same time the following day you will need to return to the non-invasive cardiology reception and check in at reception. We will remove the blood pressure monitor and review your diary sheet with you. The recording will then be analysed and the results will be sent to your doctor. It’s very important that these devices are returned so they’re available for other patients to use.
Your results
Your results will be sent to your referring clinician. You may be given the results of this test during your next clinic appointment with your hospital consultant.
For queries, please call: 01223 638025 08:00 – 18:00 Monday - Friday.