Blood Pressure monitor

What is a blood pressure monitor test?

A blood pressure monitor test provides the doctor with information regarding how your blood pressure changes throughout a period of twenty four hours. Because our blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day, it is important to establish if your blood pressure is always high, or perhaps just intermittently (for example whilst at the doctor’s office, which many people find stressful).  The doctor may also need this information to know how your blood pressure responds to certain medications over the course of the day. In this case, a blood pressure monitor can be fitted to record the necessary information.

What will happen to me?

If you and your doctor have decided that you need to have a blood pressure monitor test you will be shown to the area where the monitor will be fitted.  You may be asked to remove your shirt or blouse, but sometimes it is possible that unbuttoning it is sufficient.  We will attach a blood pressure cuff to your upper arm, which is connected to a small recorder that you can wear on a belt around your waist.  This recorder has been programmed to record the blood pressure regularly for a pre agreed period of time, usually 24 hours, but sometimes this may be longer.  Each recording will feel the same as when you have your blood pressure recorded by the doctor.  You will then be asked to return home with the monitor, and return it at a time that you have agreed with your doctor.    

Are there any special instructions whilst I am at home?

Once you return home it is important that you carry on with your normal daily activities.  It is however important that you do not take a bath or shower during the time you are wearing the monitor.  It is very important that you do not get the monitor wet otherwise your results will not be recorded.  If you have told the doctor that you are having symptoms we will provide you with a daily diary as it will be very important for us to know if you are having your symptoms whilst you are wearing the monitor. 

What happens next?

At the agreed time, you can return to the clinic to return the monitor.  You can either have it removed by the staff at the clinic, or you can remove it at home and simply bring it to us.  If you do this, somebody else could return the monitor for you.  If we have given you a diary, try not to forget it!  Your symptoms are very important to us.  The recording will then be analysed, and your doctor will call you on the telephone as soon as possible to give you the results.