Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure is consistently elevated. Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring allows your blood pressure (BP) readings to be recorded over a 24-hour period, whether you’re awake or asleep and yields many readings over a continuous period. In most cases, readings are taken every 20 to 30 minutes during the day and every hour at night. Your heart rate is measured at the same time.
Ambulatory blood pressure is now the recommended way to diagnose elevated blood pressure - it is even more accurate than measurements in your doctor's office!
** Note: Ambulatory blood pressure testing is not currently covered by the medical services plan. The cost is $48 per study
What to expect
A 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitor is similar to the blood pressure monitors located in your doctor's office or pharmacy. A cuff will be fitted around your upper arm and you will be given instructions on how to adjust the cuff if it should move or need tightening during your 24 hours of monitoring.
You’ll get instructions that explain how to take care of your monitor and what not to do while you’re wearing it (such as bathing, showering, and swimming ). You’ll be directed to record your approximate bedtime and the time you wake up to help improve the accuracy of your blood pressure report.
Wearing the blood pressure monitor itself has no risks involved. However, the cuff does inflate with enough pressure to measure your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, the cuff will need to inflate to higher pressures and some people find the inflation of the cuff uncomfortable. Similarly, having your blood pressure measured overnight can disrupt your sleep patterns for that evening.
How to prepare for your 24hr BP monitor
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Note: This test requires your arm to be in a relaxed state every 30min while awake and once an hour while sleeping - if your work schedule does not allow for this, please rebook the test on a day where you can limit your activities
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Shower or bathe just prior to your appointment
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You will need to keep the blood pressure cuff on for the full 24hrs (including overnight while sleeping)
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No strenuous activity during the testing period
Availability
Blood pressure monitors can be booked by appointment by calling (250) 762-9211
Appointments are available:
Mon - Friday: 8am to 4pm
Note: The cost for a 24hr blood pressure monitor and physician report is $48.00