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24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor
A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) tracks your blood pressure continuously over a full day and night while you go about your normal activities, at work, at home, and while you sleep. It gives your cardiologist a far more complete picture than a single reading taken in the clinic.
Why your cardiologist might recommend a 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor:
A blood pressure reading taken during a clinic visit is only a snapshot. Some people have higher readings at the doctor's office simply because of the setting, known as white coat hypertension. Others have normal readings in the clinic but higher blood pressure the rest of the time, known as masked hypertension. Neither of these patterns shows up on a single office reading.
An ABPM is commonly used to:
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Confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure before starting long-term treatment
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Check whether current blood pressure medication is working effectively across a full 24-hour period, including overnight
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Investigate symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue that may be related to blood pressure changes
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Rule out white coat hypertension in someone with high readings only at the clinic
How the 24 hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor works
The Process:
A technician fits a standard blood pressure cuff to the upper arm, which connects by a tube to a small, lightweight recorder worn on a belt or shoulder strap.
Frequency:
The device automatically inflates and takes a reading every 20–30 minutes during the day and hourly at night.
Appointments:
Patients require two short appointments on consecutive days: one to have it fitted and another 24 hours later to have the device removed and the data downloaded.
How the device works
The monitor consists of a small cuff worn around your upper arm, connected to a lightweight recording device that can be worn on a belt or over the shoulder. The cuff inflates automatically at set intervals, usually every 20 to 30 minutes during the day and slightly less often overnight, and records your blood pressure each time.
What to expect
Before your appointment
The device is fitted at either our clinic in Bundoora or in East Melbourne. It takes only a few minutes and you'll be shown how it works before you leave.
During the 24 hours
You wear the monitor for a full 24 hours and continue your usual daily routine, including work, light exercise, and sleep. You'll be asked to keep your arm still and relaxed each time the cuff inflates. You may be given a diary to note your activities, medication times, and sleep, which helps your cardiologist interpret the results.
Showering, sleeping and swimming
The device isn't waterproof, so it needs to come off for showering or bathing and go back on afterwards, following the instructions you're given at fitting. Most people find they get used to sleeping with it after the first hour or two, though the cuff inflating overnight can be noticeable. Please don't go swimming with your device on.
Returning the device
You'll return the monitor to the clinic the following day, where the recorded data is downloaded and reviewed by your cardiologist.
Clothing
Wear loose, two-piece clothing, so that the cuff can inflate without restriction and the cord can easily fit underneath your garments.
Daily Activities
You should carry on with your normal daily activities, but when the cuff starts inflating, relax your arm and keep it still until the cuff deflates and measurement finishes to prevent false readings.
Getting your results
Your cardiologist will review the full set of readings, including your average blood pressure across the day, overnight, and during specific activities, and discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment.
Cost and Medicare Rebates (MBS)
With a valid doctor's referral, the test attracts a Medicare rebate under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The out-of-pocket cost is $135 or $115.00 for pensioners. This is payable on the day, and the claim to Medicare is sent on the same day.
Already have a referral?
Email it to reception@bundooracardiology.com.au
Our team will be in touch to confirm your appointment time.