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Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - What it is

ambulatory blood pressure watch monitoring condition and treatment

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (BP watch) is a test where your blood pressure and heart rate are taken at a fixed time interval for 24 hours, while you carry on with your daily activities.

It is particularly useful for patients with high blood pressure as it helps your doctor determine if your blood pressure medications are effective. It is also used to monitor borderline hypertension, young hypertension and poor blood pressure control. This 24-hour monitoring allows the doctor to study the variations of your blood pressure throughout the day.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Symptoms

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - How to prevent?

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Causes and Risk Factors

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Diagnosis

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Treatments

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Preparing for surgery

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Post-surgery care

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring - Other Information

Is the test safe?

There are no direct risks involved. A BP watch is generally well tolerated. However, some individuals may develop rashes or blisters on the areas in direct contact with the strap of the watch.

How is the test done?

This is an elaborate test which requires precision calibration and measurements when putting on the BP watch. Before the test starts, the medical technologist (MT) will first measure your height and weight to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI).

The MT will then proceed to use a conventional blood pressure machine to take 3 readings to determine an average blood pressure. This is followed by measuring the circumference of your wrist to provide you with the appropriate strap size for the watch.

Next, the MT will proceed to feel for the pulse on your wrist. Once the pulse is found, the BP watch will be strapped on your wrist and connected to the computer to obtain an average arterial pulse wave form. When the calibrated reading is obtained, the watch is programmed to start its 24-hour monitoring, with readings taken at 15 minutes interval.

During this monitoring period, you are not allowed to remove the watch. You can continue with your normal daily activities (except for showering and vigorous exercise). In order to achieve higher success data return rate, it is recommended you sleep on the side without the BP watch and rest the hand with BP watch on a pillow while sleeping. You are also required to note down the time you go to bed and the time you wake up in the diary provided to you.

If there are insufficient (less than 50% successful) recordings throughout the test, your doctor may request for a repeat of the test.

Preparations before test

  • Take a bath and wear loose fitting clothing before coming for the appointment. You will not be able to shower during the duration of the test (24 hours).
  • No fasting is required.
  • No admission is required.
  • You may continue with your current medication (unless advised otherwise).
  • You will need to return the device the next day (please consider taking leave if necessary as no medical certificate will be provided on the removal day).
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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