Information On 24 Hour Blood Pressure Recording

Transcript

24-hour Blood Pressure Recording Cardiac Physiology Department Patient Information Leaflet Originator: Anne Drewnicki Date: April 2012 Version: 1 Date for Review: April 2015 DGOH Ref No: DGOH/PIL/00412 What is it? The purpose is to record your BP at intervals over a 24-hour period during which you will be asked to keep a brief diary of your activities. This will help us to assess whether your blood pressure is consistent with your activity level, medications etc. How is it done? The device measures your BP, as you have it taken in clinic, by inflating a cuff on your upper arm and monitoring the pressure and pulse as it deflates. Please wear loose-fitting clothing as the equipment is fitted underneath your clothes. We will take a manual baseline BP before the test. The monitor is fitted on a belt around the waist and a material cuff wrapped around the upper arm. Some monitors also have leads which are attached to the chest via sticky electrodes. The cuff will be inflated for a test run and adjusted, if necessary. Thereafter the cuff will inflate at periodic intervals, i.e. every 30 minutes during the day and every hour during the night. Arm and hand movements while the cuff deflates may interfere with the readings causing the machine to re-take the measurement. Please try and remain as still as possible during readings to minimize extra cuff inflations You will also be issued with the diary sheet and the staff will explain how to fill it in. Please feel free to ask questions. This procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. 2 Please be aware that bruising may occur whilst wearing this device. Repeated squeezing of the upper arm is unavoidable and uncomfortable and may result in some bruising under the cuff. Between recordings your hand and forearm should return to normal, if swelling, discolouration or pain persists between measurements, remove the device. You will need to return to the Department on the following day at the same time to have the monitor removed. This will only take about 5 minutes. If you arrange transport through your GP, 2 visits will be required for fitting and removal of the recorder. If transport is very difficult for you we may be able to arrange for the monitor to be collected so you only make one trip. Ask us or your GP. These machines are essential medical devices, please ensure you return your device on the agreed date and time - someone else will be waiting to use it. Further information For further information please call the Cardiac Physiology Department 01384 456111.Ext 3582. 3