24 HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE - Heart Centres

COVID-19 Update for patients:

Here at Heart Services, we understand that many of our patients are cautious about leaving their homes or attending busy medical practices during the pandemic.

We would like to reassure you that we are staying informed with current government guidelines, have stringent cleaning guidelines for our staff, and are practicing social distancing both between staff and in the waiting areas.

If you have further concerns about attending your appointment, please feel free to contact us. Alternatively, you can contact your referring doctor to discuss the urgency of you test.

If you have travelled overseas in the last month or have been in contact with anyone who has, had direct contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or have any flu like symptoms, please call us to reschedule your appointment.

We thank you all for support and understanding during these uncertain times.

Testing

24 HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR

Test Information

A 24 hour blood pressure monitor is designed to measure a patients blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24 hour period. Recordings will be taken every 30 minutes during the day, and every hour at night.

Test Duration

The monitor takes approximately 20 minutes to attach. The monitor is worn for approximately 24 hours, then you are asked to return the monitor the next morning at a specified time.

Patient Preparation

• Shower or bath before your appointment (as you will not be able to bath or shower whilst wearing the monitor)

• Please bring a list of current medications with you

• If possible, please wear a 2-piece item of clothing (for example a blouse/shirt and skirt/shorts/pants) as you will be asked to remove your shirt.

Testing Procedure

The blood pressure monitor consists of a blood pressure cuff worn on your arm (usually the arm of your non-dominant hand) which is attached to a monitor worn around your waist (approximately the size of a portable casette tape player). The blood pressure monitor will not display your blood pressure readings throughout the 24 hour period, but are stored on the recording device, and then analysed by a qualified technician and cardiologist the following day.

When the monitor is taking a reading, it will beep once to prompt you to keep your arm still and relaxed. You will then feel the blood pressure cuff tighten on your arm, and then slowly release. Your arm must remain still and relaxed even when the cuff is deflating. Once the pressure in the cuff has been released, you can continue to use your arm as per normal. If there is any movement in your arm while the monitor is taking a reading, the monitor will automatically repeat the measurement. The technician will give you a demonstration of what to expect before you leave the Heart Centre.

Things you cannot do whilst wearing the blood pressure monitor

• MRI/CT scan/X-rays

• Showering or bathing

• Swimming

Testing Results

Your blood pressure monitor results will be interpreted by a trained technician and cardiologist. The cardiologists report will be sent to your referring doctor within two working days. Your referring doctor will then discuss your results with you at your review appointment.

COVID-19 Update for patients:

Cardiac Imaging MBS Update – Effective 1st August 2020

Testing

24 HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR

Delivering only the
best quality cardiac care.

COVID-19 Update for patients:

Cardiac Imaging MBS Update – Effective 1st August 2020

Testing

24 HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR

Delivering only the best quality cardiac care.

Delivering only the
best quality cardiac care.