Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)/
24hr Blood Pressure Monitoring
24hr BP Monitoring is important in establishing ‘true’ hypertension as it enables an individual to have their blood pressure measured at intervals throughout the day and night away from the clinic. Instead of several readings taken in a clinic, multiple readings are made throughout a 24hr period, providing an accurate blood pressure profile.
The monitor is fitted by a nurse specialist and this takes between 20-30 minutes. A cuff is fitted around the upper arm and attached to a monitor which is programmed to measure the blood pressure at regular intervals (either every 20 or 30 minutes depending on cuff size) during the day and every hour over night. The patient is asked to keep a simple diary noting the times of sleep and any medication taken. The monitor can be removed by the patient and returned to the clinic where a detailed report is then produced.
Other Tests Explained
- Echocardiograms
- Contrast Echo/Bubble study
- Doppler ultrasound
- abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
- DVT screen
- Varicose vein screen
- Exercise ECG (stress) testing
- 24hr ECG monitoring
- Sports screening
- Insurance medicals