What Is A BP Monitor?
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a non-invasive diagnostic test that measures blood pressure over a period, typically 24 hours. The test is used to diagnose and monitor high blood pressure (hypertension), a common and serious condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
ABPM involves wearing a small, portable device that measures blood pressure at regular intervals, usually every 30 minutes during waking hours and every 60 minutes during sleep. The device is attached to the upper arm using an inflatable cuff and is connected to a recording device that stores the blood pressure readings.
At the end of the monitoring period, the data is downloaded and analysed to assess blood pressure patterns over time and provides a more accurate assessment of blood pressure than single measurements taken in a doctor’s office.
Please shower before your appointment and wear a top with loose fitting sleeves.
ABPM is a safe test that causes minimal discomfort, mostly related to the regular inflations of the cuff. However, as with any medical test, there is a small risk of complications, including skin irritation or more rarely, an allergic reaction to the electrodes.
Appointments
- Please arrive 15mins prior to your appointment time. If you are going to be late, please phone us to let us know.
- Please bring your referral and Medicare card with you to your appointment.
- Please bring your private health insurance membership card with you.
Results
- Results will be sent to your referring doctor.
- If ordered by our cardiologists, they will discuss at your next appointment.
Informed consent
It is required by law to receive your consent to perform this test. It is important that you have read and understood this information. If you have any questions, please ask the technician prior to your test.
