Is A 24 Hour Monitor Test For Blood Pressure Safe?

Posted on Mon, 9 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently had a 24 hour blood pressure monitor done. I haven't talked to my doctor about the results yet. During the test (day time) I was always on edge and tense waiting for "it" to do another reading. At night it woke me up when it took a reading. It doesn't seem these would be normal readings or valid readings. Wouldn't taking a number a readings during the day with a home blood pressure monitor provide better readings and information?

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A 24 hour monitor is better because it gives the average BP of 24 hours

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.

Even when you measure blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff, you still would be a bit anxious to see the result of it. With a 24 hour monitor, you will be under constant measure and the average of it would give a better idea of your blood pressure. This is not something I say, but the evidences say from the trails that have been done in many people.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T