24-hour blood pressure monitoring

24-hour blood pressure monitoring should be done if you have:

• high blood pressure (arterial hypertension);
• regular fluctuations in blood pressure;
• high blood pressure during pregnancy;
• heart disease associated with blood pressure problems;
• prolonged headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating.

Or if:

• to assess the effectiveness of drug therapy;
• suspected episodic hypotension (low blood pressure);
• want to check your heart health.

Avoid caffeine-containing products and smoking for at least 24 h before the test.
If you are taking medicines or over-the-counter medications that can affect your blood pressure, you should consult your doctor.

Blood pressure is measured over a 24-hour period. During this time, the patient does not have to change his/her daily routine, including continuing to play sports. The specialist places a pneumotape on the upper arm and attaches a blood pressure monitor to the waist. The device automatically measures your blood pressure at set intervals, usually every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night. The intervals may vary depending on the specific device and the specialist’s settings. Diagnosis during sleep is particularly important, as the influence of the environment on blood pressure fluctuations is excluded and blood pressure changes can be observed directly, without external factors.

Do not shower, bathe, swim or otherwise allow the device to come into contact with water during the examination. After a 24-hour period, the device must be returned to the clinic, where the data is downloaded from the device and analysed by a doctor using a special computer programme.

The results of the monitoring and the doctor’s opinion can be obtained within 3 working days after the test.