What is long-term blood pressure measurement?
A long-term blood pressure measurement is the measurement of the blood pressure in a blood vessel over 24 hours. It is possible to measure the blood pressure at different points. Peripheral arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and pressure in a pulmonary artery can be considered for long-term measurement.
In everyday clinical practice, it is almost exclusively the peripheral arterial pressure that is measured, normally the blood pressure of an artery in the upper arm. The procedure is routinely used in hospitals as a diagnostic method. The advantage is that it measures blood pressure in any everyday situation over the course of a day, including during sleep or exercise. There are normal blood pressure ranges for each activity. Thus, too low blood pressure or high blood pressure can be detected without any doubt.
For whom is a long-term blood pressure measurement necessary?
If an elevated blood pressure is detected during a routine examination, the suspicion of permanent high blood pressure becomes stronger. If this occurs again in different situations on different days, the cardiologist responsible can arrange for a long-term blood pressure measurement. Only with this measurement can a reliable diagnosis of high blood pressure be made.
Too high blood pressure should definitely be treated, as it can trigger many secondary diseases, especially diseases of the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure mainly affects older people, but it can also occur in adolescence. High blood pressure is a widespread disease, which even in Germany still leaves many people unrecognized and untreated.
It is also recommended for young people to check their own blood pressure occasionally. If a patient has frequent dizziness or fainting spells, a blood pressure measurement can also be performed. There is a suspicion of spontaneous drops in blood pressure in the middle of the day.
Procedure of a long-term blood pressure measurement
A specific day for the long-term blood pressure measurement is agreed with the cardiologist. This day should be as commonplace as possible so that normal blood pressure is also recorded. Particularly unusual activities or heavy sporting activity should not be undertaken on this day.
During the course of the day, you will receive the device, which consists of a cuff on the upper arm and the corresponding measuring device that hangs around the neck. The cuff inflates every 15 minutes and slowly releases the pressure. During the night, the device usually only measures every 30 minutes so that sleep is not disturbed too much.
After 24 hours, at the same time the following day, the device is dispensed in the practice and then evaluated by the doctor. During the whole time, the patient should keep a record of which activities were carried out during the 24 hours, so that possible increases and decreases in blood pressure can be traced. It takes a few days until all measurements of the 24 hours have been evaluated. On this basis, your doctor will be able to evaluate your blood pressure and discuss further examinations and therapies with you.
