This test is useful for doctors to understand how your blood pressure changes through the day and since blood pressure is linked to several different conditions in the body, including kidney function & heart function and is important for patients with high blood pressure. It is normally carried over 24 hours. It uses a small digital blood pressure machine that is attached to a belt around your body and which is connected to a cuff around your upper arm. It small enough that you can go about your normal daily life and even sleep with it on. CABP tests are undertaken in main centers in Sri Lanka.
By measuring your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours, your doctor is able to get clear pictures of how your blood pressure changes throughout the day. There are a number of reasons why your doctor might suggest this test:
- They may want to find out if your high blood pressure readings in the clinic are much higher than they are away from the clinic (called the âwhite coat effectâ).
- They may want to see how well your medicines are working, to make sure they are controlling your blood pressure through the day.
- They may want to see if your blood pressure stays high at night. If this is the case, they may need to change or adjust your medicines.
A 24 hour admission and an appointment is required
A CABP test usually takes about 24 hours. Here is what happens:
- Initially after you book an appointment, healthcare personnel may ask you to get admitted in a room of your choice.
- To start the procedure a small digital blood pressure machine is attached to a belt around your body and which is connected to a cuff around your upper arm.
- The machine then takes blood pressure readings at regular intervals throughout the day: usually, every 15-30 minutes during the daytime and 30-60 minutes at night.
- You will need to keep the monitor on through the night â you could put the machine under the pillow or on the bed while you sleep.
- Avoid taking a bath or a shower during the process
- At the end of the 24 hours you can remove the machine and cuff and give it back to the hospital.
- The machine will have stored all your readings and these will then be analysed by the doctor who is assigned to you. The report will be submitted between 12-24 hours based on consultant availability.
- Appointment Required
- 24 hour Admission Required