Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Blood pressure problems are common and treatable, and through our leading private network, we offer rapid access to tests, results and, if necessary, the most effective treatment for you. 

• Ranked No. 1 in the UK for private cardiovascular care
• Private blood pressure appointments confirmed within 24 hours
• Results within 48 hours, interpreted by leading experts
• Comprehensive treatment options within our network if needed

What is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring – or ABPM for short – is a non-invasive way to record your blood pressure during a 24-hour or 48-hour period, without having to remain in a hospital or GP surgery. It allows you to monitor your blood pressure over time while carrying on with your normal activities.

Your blood pressure readings will be taken approximately every 20 minutes over a 24-hour (or 48-hour) period, using a cuff on your arm linked to a portable monitor on your waist. This consistent monitoring will give your doctor a detailed picture of how your blood pressure changes over a day or two with different influencing factors.

Low blood pressure isn't usually a serious problem and is something we can help you manage. If you have high blood pressure, which can have life-threatening complications including heart failure and stroke if left untreated, a 24-hour blood pressure monitor will help us diagnose it and swiftly work out the most effective treatment for you.

How is blood pressure measured?

At a clinic or a doctor’s surgery, a device called a sphygmomanometer – which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, pump and dial – is used to measure your blood pressure. A 24-hour blood pressure machine is similar, although it uses sensors and has a digital display.

The arm cuff is pumped up to restrict the blood flow in your arm. When the pressure is slowly released, the doctor uses the stethoscope to listen to your pulse (a 24-hour blood pressure machine uses sensors to detect vibrations in your arteries). As the blood flow returns to your arm, the pressure is recorded at two different points and these measurements are combined to give your blood pressure reading.

What's a normal blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it moves around your body. It's measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures:

• Systolic pressure – when your heart pushes blood out
• Diastolic pressure – when your heart rests between beats

For example, you might see or hear your blood pressure described as "140 over 90" or 140/90mmHg, meaning you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.

As a general guide:

• Normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg
• Low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower
• High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher

When you book an appointment with us, one of our expert cardiovascular consultants will explain these readings in detail, what yours means for your health, and what actions can be taken if needed.  

When is a 24-hour blood pressure monitor test needed?

24-hour blood pressure monitoring can provide a more accurate, complete picture of your blood pressure than a single recording in a doctor's surgery. You may be recommended ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for a range of reasons including:

• Age: You're more likely to have high blood pressure as you get older as blood vessels become stiffer with age, causing blood pressure to rise. It's recommended that all adults over 40 have their blood pressure tested at least every five years to detect any potential problems early.
• Lifestyle factors: Your diet, fitness level, sleep and experience of stress and anxiety can all negatively affect your blood pressure. A 24-hour blood pressure machine can record how changes in your blood pressure relate to your daily activities and sleep patterns.
• Medications: This test can be used to monitor how your blood pressure responds to blood pressure medications as well as treatment for other conditions. In both cases, the results may lead to you being recommended different or tweaked treatment, such as a lower dosage.
• White coat syndrome: This describes how, for one in eight people, being in a clinical setting such as a doctor's surgery causes anxiety and high blood pressure. This can lead to procedures such as surgery for other conditions being postponed or cancelled due to potential risk. 24-hour monitoring can rule out whether your high blood pressure is a result of white coat syndrome.
• Masked hypertension: This condition has the opposite effect of white coat syndrome, with some patients recording normal blood pressure in a doctor's surgery despite being high when measured at home. Research suggests it might affect as many as one in 10 people. Doctors don't usually ask people to measure their own blood pressure at home if it's normal in the GP surgery, so ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is the only way we can be sure of the phenomenon.