The monitor is worn for 24 hours and will take blood pressures several times throughout the day and night. When it is about to take your blood pressure, you will hear a beep, and within 5 seconds, you will feel the cuff tighten on your arm. At the sound of the beep, relax the cuffed arm at your side. If sitting in a chair, keep feet flat on the floor, rest your back against the back of the chair, and do not talk or move. If standing, simply stand still, relax your arm at your side, and do not talk. Once the monitor has taken your blood pressure, you may return to what you were doing.
If you are unable to sit or stand still as required, the monitor will try to take your BP again in 2-3 minutes. If still not ready, it will take your blood pressure again in 30 minutes.
It is important to wear the monitor for the full 24 hours. Wear a loose, comfortable top, with short sleeves. Place the monitor under your pillow when you go to bed. Do not shower. Do not talk while the monitor is reading.
Some people may feel a little sore from the frequent pressure checks, but should be comfortable between readings. If your arm becomes sore or red, or your fingers begin to tingle, it means the cuff is too tight. If this happens, loosen the cuff, as instructed by your nurse. If at any time you feel numbness, tingling, pain or see any discoloration of your arm/hand or fingers, you can stop a reading by simply pressing the start/stop button.
Continue your regular daily activities, as the reason for this test is to assess your blood pressure during your normal activities. It is helpful to keep a brief diary of your activities during the 24 hours. Please record things such as eating, smoking, working, resting, emotions, medications and when you go to bed & get up. Write down any symptoms you notice such as headache, dizziness and flushing.
At the end of the 24 hours, you may take the cuff off and TURN THE MONITOR OFF as demonstrated by your nurse. The monitor along with your activity diary is to be returned as instructed by your hypertension nurse.
The blood pressure readings will be reviewed by your hypertension nurse and physician.