What is 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring?

What is 24-hour Blood Pressure Monitoring?

24-hour blood pressure monitoring, also known as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), involves wearing a blood pressure cuff for a full 24-hour period. This device is connected to a small monitor that records your blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night. Unlike a single reading taken at a doctor’s office, this test provides a comprehensive view of how your blood pressure changes over a typical day.

Why Would You Need a 24-Hour ECG?

A 24-hour ECG is often prescribed to diagnose heart rhythm problems that aren’t found during a regular ECG exam. This could be because these problems don’t occur all the time or only happen under certain conditions, like stress or activity. Common conditions that might require a 24-hour ECG include:

1. Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, or erratic.
2. Palpitations: Unexplained fluttering or pounding in the chest.
3. Syncope: Unexplained fainting spells or episodes of dizziness.
4. Evaluating the Efficacy of Heart Medications: To see how well medication is working in controlling an irregular heartbeat.
5. Post-Heart Attack Monitoring: To monitor heart function after a heart attack.

How does it work?

On booking your test, you will come to the clinic and a healthcare professional will attach the pads and electrodes to your chest and advise you on how to carry the monitoring device for the period of the test, at the end of which you return the device to the clinic for the results to be processed/ Typically results are sent out in the next 24-48 hours (excluding weekends)/

Can you do longer recordings?

Yes ECG recordings can be offered anywhere up to 14 days in length for patients requiring longer recordings, please contact the clinic for pricing options.

1. Fitting the Monitor: A healthcare professional fits a blood pressure cuff on your arm and explains how the monitor works.
2. Regular Intervals: The monitor automatically inflates the cuff to take readings at regular intervals. This could be every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night.
3. Recording Activities: You might be asked to keep a diary of your activities and any symptoms you experience during the monitoring period.
4. Normal Routine: You are encouraged to go about your normal daily activities, although you should avoid water-based activities like showering or swimming while wearing the monitor.

Why Would You Need 24-Hour BP Monitoring?

24-hour BP monitoring is used to:

1. Diagnose Hypertension: To confirm high blood pressure readings taken in a clinical setting (white-coat hypertension).
2. Assess Blood Pressure Control: For people already diagnosed with hypertension, to see how well their current medication regimen is controlling their blood pressure.
3. Evaluate Symptoms: To understand better the causes of symptoms like dizziness or fainting, which might be related to fluctuations in blood pressure.
4. Assess Night-time Blood Pressure: Some individuals have higher blood pressure readings at night, which can be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

5 Most Common FAQs Around 24-Hour BP Monitoring

1. Is the test uncomfortable? Some discomfort may be felt due to the frequent inflation of the cuff, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
2. Can I perform my regular activities? Yes, but avoid strenuous exercise and water-based activities. Also, ensure the monitor stays dry and secure.
3. How should I sleep with the monitor? Try to sleep as you normally would. The monitor might inflate during the night, but it’s important to try and relax your arm when it does.
4. What should I do if the cuff inflates frequently or feels too tight? If the cuff inflates too often or feels uncomfortably tight, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
5. How will the results be used? Your doctor will analyze the readings to understand your blood pressure patterns and make decisions about your treatment, which may include starting, adjusting, or changing medications.