Information and resources about ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (aka ABPM)

 

Using Accurate BP Monitors

The key for successful, accurate blood pressure monitoring is to utilize accurate machines and set intervals throughout the day.  This way you monitor your blood pressure during times of rest, times of activity, etc.  Companies like Lifeclinic make blood pressure kiosks and commercial, automated blood pressure machines to help with this.  A commercial-grade machine in your place of work (corporate wellness room or fitness center) is likely to be more accurate than a cheaper, portable home unit.

 

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring - What is it and why does it matter?

Many people in the world are shocked when they discover that they may have a problem with their blood pressure. The fact is, it should come as no surprise given the fact that we are historically more sedentary than we have ever been in the past. Regardless, it is a massive wake up call for many of us that we should all strive to start living healthy.

Often times when people are suspected to have high blood pressure they are urged by doctors to have their blood pressure monitored for an extended period of time, so as to get a better idea of what is causing the problem. This can be very distressing for some people, as it can involve spending quite a bit more time in and out of doctors offices than is probably preferred. One of the methods that is commonly used to get a good reading on how someone’s blood pressure stands is known as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The basic tenant of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is that, by using blood pressure monitors, readings are taken all throughout the day in order to get a fine-tuned, accurate idea of what is going on with the patient.

One of the main reasons for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is to relieve the patient of the stress that comes along with dealing with doctors and intimidating blood pressure machines. This type of blood pressure monitoring, since it occurs throughout an entire day, is meant to eradicate the nervous tension that comes along with doctor interaction so as to get a more accurate reading. The other reason for this type of monitoring is it allows for a reading of nocturnal blood pressure, or a patient’s blood pressure while sleeping. This is valuable information that allows for the doctor to make a much more informed decision as to how to treat the patient.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is undoubtedly one of the most important advances in modern science in recent years, and will continue to help save lives worldwide - It is smart to learn as much as possible about it.