An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small unit with an attached blood pressure cuff that is worn on your arm for 24 hours. This unit checks your blood pressure approximately every half hour throughout the day.
This test may be ordered by your physician if he is concerned about your blood pressure and wants to monitor it during your everyday activities. A blood pressure monitor test will help your physician to make decisions on medications and other treatments. It may also be used to evaluate how well a medication is working to control your blood pressure.
To have an ambulatory blood pressure monitor test, your physician needs to fill out a requisition form.
To find out more about this test, download the blood pressure monitor brochure.
Learn more about making an appointment and coming to our hospitals.
This test is not covered by OHIP and the fee is $80. This is paid upon registering at the hospital on the day of the appointment. After you register, the registration clerk will direct you to the Cardiorespiratory Department in order to have your ambulatory blood pressure monitor attached.
Please note: You cannot shower or bathe while the monitor is attached to you (normally a 24-hour period).
After Your Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor Test
You will need to return the monitor to Markham Stouffville Hospital as instructed by the cardiology technologist. The drop off location is just inside the main entrance of the hospital (entrance A), at the information desk. There is a labelled box there where you can leave the monitor if there is no volunteer at the desk at that time. After you return the monitor, the cardiology technologist will download the information recorded and a report will be sent to your doctor.