Blood Pressure Monitor

An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small unit worn on your arm that takes your blood pressure and records changes or fluctuations over a period of time (usually 24 hours).  This test is ordered for patients who have symptoms or conditions such as white coat syndrome (high blood pressure in presence of their physician), for evaluation of hypertension or hypotension and for the evaluation of blood pressure medication. This test is not covered by OHIP and there will be a $80.00 fee.

What you should know

For your blood pressure test, please wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to your upper arms. This test will take approximately 15 minutes to set up and explain.

We will attach a blood pressure monitor to your arm and place a recording device around your waist. The recording monitor is the size of a small calculator and fits at your waist under your clothes. The blood pressure cuff will inflate at half-hour intervals while on your arm during the day, and every hour during the evening. You cannot shower or bathe while the monitor is attached to you. This test has no side effects.

FAQs

How does the monitor work?

A battery inflates the cuff and takes your blood pressure at intervals.

Do I have to do anything while wearing the monitor?

Make sure your arm that is attached to the monitor is not elevated or in motion when the blood pressure cuff is inflating.

Why did my doctor order this test?

Your physician wants to monitor your blood pressure during everyday activities.

Can I exercise?

We encourage you to go about normal daily activities. If you do exercise, you will need to write this in the diary that we will give to you.

What happens to the report/study when I return the monitor?

We download the information to our computer system and forward a report to your doctor for interpretation.

Contact Us

Markham Site:  (905) 472-7020

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