Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a 24 hour observation of blood pressure, which gives much more information than “one-off” blood pressure readings at a specialist’s or GP’s rooms. ABPM measures blood pressure at regular intervals during normal activities, including sleep, in much the same way that a Holter Monitor observes the heart rhythm over 24 hours.
Why is ABPM performed?
ABPM is performed to establish patterns of blood pressure change. The responses of BP to exercise, rest, and sleep can give important information as to possible causes of BP elevation. This information may guide specific investigation or treatment in a much more precise way than simple one-off measurements. It can also be performed to observe the effects of treatments with medications and other measures. It is also performed to check that the existing blood pressure measures are not incorrect or falsely elevated - what is referred to as “white coat” hypertension, where a patient’s BP is high in a doctor’s rooms but normal elsewhere.
How is ABPM performed?
A standard BP cuff is put around your upper arm by one of our technicians. This is connected to a small battery powered pump and recorder, about the size of two mobile phones next to each other. At regular intervals - usually every 30-60 minutes - the pump inflates the BP cuff to a pressure above your maximum (systolic) blood pressure, then gradually lowers the pressure to below the minimum (diastolic) blood pressure in time with the pulse.
The ABPM gives a short beep to remind you to keep the arm still and that there will be a pressure sensation felt. Rarely, with very high blood pressures, the pressure felt may be uncomfortable. If the pressure is too much for you to tolerate, you may simply take the cuff off However, this means that no more useful information will be gained.
Are there any directions I need to follow for an ABPM?
Yes. You cannot take a bath or shower with a monitor on, since it is not waterproof. You should let the cardiologist know if you make any changes to your medications while the ABPM is on, or if you forget any medications. You can wear clothes over the ABPM monitor and continue daily activities as usual. It is often very helpful to know the BP overnight, while you sleep, so try to keep the monitor on a bedside table or elsewhere nearby to allow this.
How do I find out what the ABPM shows?
Your cardiologist will arrange either a follow-up appointment or give you the results directly once the ABPM has been completed and reviewed.
Are there any risks associated with an ABPM?
The only known risk may be mild skin irritation from wearing the cuff, or discomfort from the pressure.
