Why am I being referred for this test?
Some people have high blood pressure in a hospital environment due to anxiety which will give false results. This test will give an accurate blood pressure reading when you are relaxed. Some people need this test because they have dizzy spells at times throughout the day. A 24 hour blood pressure test will be arranged for these people.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?
No, you will not have to do anything different to your normal routine before your test. Eat and drink normally and take all your medication at your usual times unless you have been told otherwise.
What does your test involve?
A blood pressure cuff will be placed around your arm, and this will inflate periodically over the next 24 hours. A monitor will be fixed onto a belt around your waist which will record all your blood pressure readings. You will be given a diary card to note down all your activities and symptoms over the next 24 hours and you will return the next day to have the monitor removed. The monitor only takes about 10 minutes to fit and remove.
Will my test hurt?
The only discomfort you may feel is when the cuff inflates.
Can l drive?
Yes, your test will have no impact on your ability to drive.
What about work?
You may need to take an hour off on the day of your test. You will be able to return to work after the procedure.
Risks
There are no risks with this procedure.
Alternative Procedure
Your doctor has asked us to do this test as it is the best way to monitor your blood pressure away from a hospital environment. If you do not wish to have this test you must discuss this with the doctor who referred you. There may be a different test that can be done.
When do I get the results?
The cardiac diagnostics staff will not be able to give you your results after the test. This
information is reported to your doctor or specialist nurse and they will inform you of
the examination results.
I still have more questions?
Don’t worry too much if you still have unanswered questions – a member of staff will go through the procedure with you when you arrive in the department and answer any questions you might have.
For more information you can watch a short video here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4wi2oiL3BY
Cardiac Diagnostic Department
Chief Clinical Physiologist,
Cardiac Diagnostics Department,
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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