Ambulatory Blood Pressure (ABPM)

What it is

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) uses a portable cuff on your upper arm, connected to a small recorder at your waist. It inflates on a schedule — typically every 30 minutes by day and every 60 minutes at night — so we see your true average, your night-time dip, and whether clinic readings are higher than home (white-coat) or lower (masked hypertension).

Why it is ordered

• Confirm a new diagnosis of hypertension before starting treatment
• Suspect white-coat or masked hypertension
• Assess whether current medication is covering the full 24 hours
• Investigate dizziness that might be related to low readings

Before your visit

1. 01Please note: ABPM is not OHIP-insured; ask us about the fee when you book
2. 02Wear a short sleeve or a sleeve that rolls up easily on the fitting arm
3. 03Bathe before you arrive — the cuff cannot get wet
4. 04Bring your health card, requisition, and a list of blood-pressure medications with times

During the test

1. 01The cuff is fitted on the upper arm and the recorder clipped at the waist or shoulder
2. 02When the cuff inflates, keep that arm still and relaxed at your side
3. 03Carry on with a normal day; avoid vigorous gym workouts and swimming
4. 04You cannot shower or bathe until the monitor is removed

After

1. 01Return the device the next day at your scheduled time
2. 02A report of daytime, night-time, and 24-hour averages is prepared
3. 03Your referring physician discusses whether treatment or a change is needed

Questions we hear often