A 24-hour ambulatory BP test helps the doctor in understanding how your blood pressure changes throughout the day depending on your activities, food habits, or your emotional activity. It gives a clearer picture of your health condition if you have uncontrolled BP.

If you have the following health conditions, you may be recommended a 24-hour ambulatory BP test:

• Suspected hypertension
• White-coat hypertension (i.e. your BP is suspected to be high only when you are in the doctor’s chamber)
• Masked hypertension (opposite of white-coat hypertension)
• If your BP fluctuates based on the time of the day
• Hypotension or low BP (often resulting in sudden collapse or fainting)
• Hypertension during pregnancy

24-hour ambulatory BP test is also used to determine the effectiveness of an ongoing treatment plan. Based on the results, medicines can be modified.

How Can You Prepare For An Ambulatory BP Test?

To take a 24-hour ambulatory BP test, a technician will set you up with the device – the cuff and the measuring bit. Usually, you will not have to prepare for it beforehand. In certain cases, the doctor may suggest to intake or abstain from certain medicines.

• Bathing or swimming should be avoided so that the device does not get wet.
• Spend the day normally. Do not do anything unusual just for that day.
• Remember or note down the event of the day as you may be asked about it later.

Treatment By Dr. Siva After A 24-hour Ambulatory BP Test

If any abnormality is observed in the result, you can consult Dr. Siva to confirm if you have any heart condition. Minor ups and downs in BP are normal based on the kind of activity you were performing at the moment. But Dr. Siva will be able to ascertain the real condition and treat you accordingly.