24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitor

24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring is a test that measures your blood pressure repeatedly over a 24-Hour period while you go about your normal daily activities and sleep.

At WA Cardiology, 24 hour BP Monitoring is used to obtain a more accurate picture of your blood pressure than a single reading taken in a clinic.

Your doctor may request a 24-Hour BP Monitor to:

• Confirm or exclude high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Investigate white-coat hypertension (high readings only in medical settings)
• Detect masked hypertension (normal clinic readings but high blood pressure at home)
• Assess blood pressure control over the entire day and night
• Review response to blood pressure medications
• Assess blood pressure patterns during sleep
• Investigate symptoms such as dizziness or fainting related to blood pressure changes

A small recording device is attached to a blood pressure cuff which is then fitted to your upper arm. Blood pressure readings are taken automatically every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes overnight. The device records and stores all readings for later analysis.

24-Hour BP Monitoring provides information about:

• Average daytime and night-time blood pressure
• Blood pressure variability throughout the day
• Whether blood pressure falls normally during sleep (night-time dipping)
• Effectiveness of blood pressure medications over 24 hours

This helps guide accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Yes, a 24 Hour BP Monitor is safe. The device only measures blood pressure, involves no radiation, and can be worn safely during normal activities and sleep.

Preparation is simple:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Avoid tight sleeves on the arm with the cuff
• Continue your usual medications unless advised otherwise
• Shower before your appointment, as you cannot shower while wearing the monitor

A small recording device is programmed and attached to a cuff fitted around your upper arm. An initial reading will be taken by the technician, and you will be given instructions and a symptom/activity diary. Fitting usually takes 10–15 minutes.

While wearing the monitor, you should:

• Go about your normal daily routine
• Keep your arm still when the cuff inflates
• Avoid getting the monitor wet (no showers, baths, or swimming)
• Record activities, sleep times, and any symptoms in the diary provided

You will feel the cuff inflate regularly, which may be slightly uncomfortable, particularly overnight. This is normal and brief, and most people tolerate it well.

Yes. Night-time readings are an important part of the test. Try to sleep as normally as possible.

Light activity is usually fine. However, avoid vigorous exercise that may dislodge the cuff, damage the device, or interfere with accurate readings.

• Adjust it gently if possible.
• Note the issue in your diary.
• Contact WA Cardiology on 6169 2016 if the problem persists.

• Record your symptoms in the diary.
• Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are severe.
• In an emergency, call 000.

If you need to change your appointment, please contact WA Cardiology as early as possible so the monitor can be allocated to another patient.

If you have questions before, during, or after your 24-Hour BP Monitoring, please contact WA Cardiology on 6169 2016 during business hours. Our clinical and administrative team are happy to help.