Services
24 Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABP Monitoring)
24 Hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring is designed to monitor your blood pressure (BP) for 24 hours, including at night. This is designed to take your readings twice every hour when you are awake and once every hour when you are asleep.
ABP monitoring is used:
In patients with newly discovered ‘hypertension’ whose casual office or clinic blood pressure levels are in the mild category (diastolic blood pressure under 105 mmHg) with no evidence of target organ damage.
In patients with borderline or labile hypertension.
For blood pressure management in the compliant patient whose blood pressure is apparently poorly controlled, despite the use of appropriate antihypertensive drug therapy.
In patients who exhibit worsening of end organ damage, despite adequate blood pressure control on office or clinic readings.
In patients with a history suggestive of syncope or orthostatic hypotension. In such patients, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may be best used in conjunction with Holter monitoring.
Before the test:
There are no preparations before the test.
You will not be able to shower for 24 hours while the monitor is attached so we suggest you shower before your appointment.
What are the preparations for the 24-hour ABP and how long does it take?
A technician will fit the monitor and explain the whole procedure. This takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes. No special preparations are necessary for the test, please wear a shirt that is loose on the arms or a short sleeved/sleeveless shirt.
The device is not waterproof, do not shower or bathe while wearing the unit, consider showering prior to your test.
What are the risks?
There are no known risks associated with ABP monitors.
What do I need to do while wearing the monitor?
· Do not shower or swim with the machine on, it is not waterproof
· Go about usually daily activities however do not exercise vigorously
· The machine will beep right before a reading is due, the machine can be noisy
· The machine will take measurements every 30 mins during the day and hourly during the night (between 10pm to 8am). If one measurement is not successful, the machine will repeat the reading after 2 minutes
· When the machine is taking a reading it will be very tight on the arm, more so when your blood pressure is high
· When the cuff is directly contacting the skin due to the tightness of the cuff it may leave a mark on the skin or cause skin irritation or bruising. If the machine is uncomfortably tight you can adjust it and loosen slightly if necessary when the machine is not pumping (measuring). If it is very uncomfortable and you prefer to remove the cuff, then please keep in mind there might not be enough readings. Please seek medical attention if required.
· Do not remove the machine at night. If you miss the night readings you will not have enough data
· Try to keep the arm straight and still when the machine is taking a reading
· If you follow all the instructions correctly the machine should be able to take enough readings. However bear in mind if there are not enough successful readings then you might need to repeat the monitoring process, otherwise we cannot generate a meaningful report.
· Return the machine at the same time the following day
· If you have any questions or concerns during the monitoring period please contact us on 03 9898 3366 or [email protected]
Click here for a PDF print-out of the above information.
What should I do after a 24 hour ABP monitoring test?
Please return the ABP monitor to us on time, a cardiologist’s report of your results will be sent to your GP.
