①Q：What is a abpm?

    A：Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) is a device that can measure your blood pressure as you move around, living your normal daily life. It is normally carried over 24 hours. It uses a small digital blood pressure machine that is attached to a belt around your body and which is connected to a cuff around your upper arm. It is small enough that you can go about your normal day-to-day life and even sleep with it on.

 

 

②Q：Why might I need a 24-hour monitor?

    A：By measuring your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours, your doctor is able to get clear pictures of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day. There are a number of reasons why your doctor might suggest this test:

         · They may want to find out if your high blood pressure readings in the clinic are much higher than they are away from the clinic (called the “white coat effect”).

         · They may want to see how well your medicines are working, to make sure they are controlling your blood pressure through the day.

         · They may want to see if your blood pressure stays high at night. If this is the case, they may need to change or adjust your medicines.

 

③Q：how to wear a ABPM?

    A：To allow the machine to work properly, it is important to make sure that the tube to the machine is not twisted or bent. Also, just before the machine is about to take a reading, it will beep. When this happens you should:

         · sit down, if possible 

         · keep the cuff at the same level as your heart

         · keep your arm steady.

You will also be asked to keep a diary of what you were doing just before the reading was taken, what time you went bed and got up and if and when you took medications. Some people find 24-hour ABPM distracting and uncomfortable: if you feel like this when the readings are being taken, speak your doctor or nurse as it may affect your reading.