20 May 2019 Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, or 24-hour ABPM , is a record of blood pressure over a period of 24 hours. This test correlates changes in the record with daily activities and symptoms. The patient goes to the hospital, where a cuff is attached to a portable, battery-powered machine . The machine is placed in a bag and hung around the neck or waist. At the same time, a form is provided where patients indicate the time and describe what they were doing during the monitoring. The exam is painless . It may be a little uncomfortable because the cuff squeezes the arm at intervals throughout the day and night to record blood pressure. The next day, the patient will return to the hospital at approximately the same time as the device was fitted. The cuff and machine are removed, and the patient hands over his or her journal. The doctor then analyses the data on the machine and patient’s journal and prepares a report completing the examination. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
