Hours:
Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Holidays: Closed
Tel: (416) 461-9471
Services
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) takes numerous readings of your blood pressure over a 24-hour period. It provides accurate and reliable information and can give you and your doctor a truer picture of your blood pressure than occasional visits and readings taken at your doctor’s office. Many patients develop so called “white coat syndrome” while visiting the doctor’s office. This can cause blood pressure readings to be falsely elevated.
While blood pressure readings taken occasionally at the doctor’s office may be able to signal a problem, ABPM provides a more comprehensive picture of actual blood pressure status. It’s also a better predictor of organ damage and heart problems caused by hypertension than standard blood pressure test. This means you and your doctor have solid information to rely on when considering treatment options. Before embarking upon a lifetime of treatment with medication, you should ensure that your blood pressure is truly elevated.
The monitor is a small device worn in a pouch that has a blood pressure cuff attached to it. The cuff is fitted on the patient’s arm and inflates and deflates automatically throughout the 24-hour period it is worn. Usually, your heart rate and blood pressure will be measured at 15 to 30 minute periods during the day and every 30 minutes to one hour at night. Although you may notice the first few times the cuff inflates, you will soon become used to the monitor. Most people find them very easy to wear.
You will need to return to the clinic the next day to have the machine removed.
This test is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Most insurance plans will cover the cost.
Patient Preparation
Appointments are necessary.
What you need to do before your appointment:
- Bring any documentation your family doctor gave you including the referral requisition.
- Bring your provincial health card.
Note: This test is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and costs $85.00. If you have a private insurance plan, check with them as most plans will cover this cost.
Languages
English
