Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABU)
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for stroke, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease and kidney disease. Good control of blood pressure will significantly lower the risk but getting accurate blood pressure recordings is difficult as blood pressure levels vary during the day and night and may be high (white coat hypertension) when you visit your doctor. Blood pressure recordings taken over a 24 hour period, half hourly during the day and hourly overnight is the gold standard for assessing blood pressure levels.
It is helpful to wear a loose shirt so that the blood pressure cuff fits easily underneath it. The cuff is attached by a tube to a recorder that sits in a pouch around your waist under your clothing. You will be given a diary to fill in to record your activities and any symptoms you feel while you are wearing the monitor. This needs to be returned with the blood pressure monitor the following day.
The cost of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is covered by most insurance policies. Our secretaries will tell you if there is any charge to you at the time of booking.
The results of the test will be sent to you and your GP along with any treatment recommendations.
ABUs are available at our rooms in:
- The Heart Group; 1 Gilgit Rd, Epsom
- Northern Clinic, Southern Cross Hospital; 212-232 Wairau Rd, Glenfield
- Ormiston Hospital; 125 Ormiston Rd, Botany
- EastMed Specialist Centre; 188 St Heliers Bay Rd, St Heliers
- Totara Health Services; 1 Macrae Way, New Lynn
For further information please phone The Heart Group 09 623 6377