Information for Patients: Commonly Used Diagnostic Tests : ABPM

 

Echocardiogram

Sleep Test (Polysomnography)

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the renal arteries.

Renal Ultrasound

CT scan

MRI scan

24 hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

 

Medical Description

Why is it done?

The blood pressure that your doctor measures may not be representative of your level of blood pressure during daily life. The average 24 hour blood pressure is the best measure of blood pressure for predicting of your risk of strokes and heart attacks.

What will it show?

The test will show what your average blood pressure is over 24 hours, including the changes that occur when you are asleep. It will also show if there are times when your pressure goes excessively high or low

How is it done?

You are fitted with a standard blood pressure cuff that goes on your arm, which is connected by a thin tube to a monitor that is the size of a walkman radio. The monitor goes in a pouch on a belt, or hanging in a strap, and can be hidden under your clothing. Every 15 minutes during the day, and 30 minutes at night, the monitor pumps up the cuff and takes a reading, which is stored in its memory. All you have to do is to hold your arm still by your side when the monitor is inflating and deflating, and to keep a diary of your activities. You are encouraged to go about your usual daily activities while wearing the monitor, but you should not do any vigorous exercise. During the night you can put the monitor on the bedside table or under the pillow. At the end of the 24 hour recording period you will be asked to return for the monitor to be taken off.

Are there any risks?

There may be a little discomfort when the cuff inflates.

Practical Details

Where do I go to have the test?

T he monitors are attached at the Behavioral Cardiovascular Health and Hypertension Center office, PH9-943, 622 West 168 th Street , New York NY 10032 .

How Do I Prepare for the Test?

W ear loose clothing with a long-sleeved shirt or blouse that can go over the blood pressure cuff. If you wear a jacket the monitor can be hidden underneath it. Check with your doctor whether you should take your blood pressure medications on the day of the test.

How long will it take?

I t takes about half an hour to put the monitor on. You will be asked to wear it for at least 24 hours.

How much will it cost?

T he normal charge is $200.

How much will I have to pay?

If you have Medicare, the costs will be covered by Medicare only if you have suspected white coat hypertension. If you have a different diagnosis, you will have to pay the full cost.

If you have other forms of insurance you will need to check if the costs are covered.