Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

This is a test that checks the blood pressure regularly throughout a 24-hour period. It is usually used to diagnose and monitor high blood pressure (hypertension). The test is usually performed as an outpatient test in our Cardiology Department. You will be asked to roll up your sleeve (usually your left arm if you are right-handed) so a blood pressure cuff can be placed on your arm. The blood pressure cuff will be attached to a machine that attaches to your belt. You will be able to leave the department once a reading has been made to check that the machine is working properly. The cuff will inflate at regular intervals in the next 24 hours to obtain regular readings of blood pressure and these will be recorded automatically by the machine. If you are awake when the cuff starts to inflate please try to keep your arm straight which will increase the chances of a successful reading. It is important that you try to perform your usual daily activities whilst wearing the monitor. You may also be given a diary sheet to record any symptoms that you have during the test. When the machine is fitted our member of staff will explain how to return the test.