24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor
An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small device worn on a belt, with a blood pressure cuff wrapped around the arm under the clothes for a 24-hour period in order to regularly check blood pressure levels.
Reasons for a 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitor
Patients who have uncontrollable high blood pressure may be required to use the monitor. Patients may be asked to wear the monitor if they are:
- Taking a new medication
- Pregnant and have high blood pressure
- Suffering from fainting spells
- Taking other medications that affect blood pressure
The device checks the patient's blood pressure every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day in order to thoroughly monitor blood pressure while the patient goes through a normal day's activities. Patients will be asked to keep a diary of their day so that the doctor can fully analyze any changes in blood pressure. The device will be removed the next day at the doctor's office, and the monitoring information will be transferred to a computer. Any treatment modifications can be made after the results are reviewed by the doctor and patient.
