Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (Ashford Patients): This is a portable Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring system which can monitor your BP whilst you carry on with your daily activities. It automatically records your BP over a period of time - usually for 24 hours.
Leaflet Details
| Title | Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (Ashford Patients) |
| Department | Clinical Measurements |
| Author(s) | C Camargo / K Garett |
| Review Date | September 2025 |
| Next Review | September 2027 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is an Ambulatory Blood Pressure monitor?
This is a portable Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring system which can monitor your BP whilst you carry on with your daily activities. It automatically records your BP over a period of time - usually for 24 hours.
Why is the test done?
The test is often requested by the doctor if they suspect high or low BP. This can be associated with symptoms such as dizziness and other symptoms which may come and go.
What does the test involve?
The test takes about 15-20 minutes. Please ask a member of staff if you require a chaperone during your appointment.
A Cardiographer may ask you to remove your clothing from your top half in order for the monitor to be fitted comfortably. The monitor is approximately the size of an old Walkman cassette player.
A BP cuff will be fitted around your arm which is attached to the monitor with a rubber tube. This fits into a pouch which is fitted to your own belt if you are wearing one or we can provide one. The monitor will be started by an initial BP reading. The monitor will not display any results throughout the 24-hour period. The cuff will inflate every 30 minutes during the day and from 22:00 / 10:00pm the cuff will inflate every hour until the following morning where it will revert back to every 30 minutes. When you feel the cuff start to inflate please try to relax the arm to allow the monitor to get an accurate reading.
How do I prepare for the test?
Please wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
What do I have to do?
You will need to wear the monitor continuously for the required duration (including whilst sleeping at night). Carry out your usual daily activities whilst wearing the monitor. However, no bath or shower is permitted as the monitor MUST NOT get wet.
What happens after the test?
You will be provided with, and ask to sign, a waiver to return the monitor. If the monitor is lost or damaged, you may be charged for a replacement. You will need to return the monitor to the ECG Department at Ashford Hospital on the day that you have been instructed to do so. Please call the department on 01784 884266 if you have any concerns. Your results will be sent to your referring physician, which may be a Consultant or your General practitioner (GP). The results will be reviewed, and a letter outlining the findings will be sent to you. You will receive a copy of this letter. Please allow 2–4 weeks for this process.
If you have not received your letter within 6 weeks, please contact your GP.
