Ambulatory Blood Pressure Watch Monitoring

Is the test safe?

There are no direct risks involved. A BP watch is generally well tolerated. However, some individuals may develop rashes or blisters on the areas in direct contact with the strap of the watch.

How is the test done?

The MT will then proceed to use a conventional blood pressure machine to take 3 readings to determine an average blood pressure. This is followed by measuring the circumference of your wrist to provide you with the appropriate strap size for the watch.

Next, the MT will proceed to feel for the pulse on your wrist. Once the pulse is found, the BP watch will be strapped on your wrist and connected to the computer to obtain an average arterial pulse wave form. When the calibrated reading is obtained, the watch is programmed to start its 24-hour monitoring, with readings taken at 15 minutes interval.

During this monitoring period, you are not allowed to remove the watch. You can continue with your normal daily activities (except for showering and vigorous exercise). In order to achieve higher success data return rate, it is recommended you sleep on the side without the BP watch and rest the hand with BP watch on a pillow while sleeping. You are also required to note down the time you go to bed and the time you wake up in the diary provided to you.

If there are insufficient (less than 50% successful) recordings throughout the test, your doctor may request for a repeat of the test.

Preparations before test

• Take a bath and wear loose fitting clothing before coming for the appointment. You will not be able to shower during the duration of the test (24 hours).
• No fasting is required.
• No admission is required.
• You may continue with your current medication (unless advised otherwise).
• You will need to return the device the next day (please consider taking leave if necessary as no medical certificate will be provided on the removal day).