AFP 2011
- Measures BP every 20-30 mins traditionally over 24 hours.
- Safe, and not usually associated with complications,
- They are quiet, lightweight and easy to wear,
- Occasionally some bruising or petechiae develop
Indications
- Suspected white coat hypertension
- Suspected masked hypertension
- Suspected night time hypertension ( the night non dipper)
- Htn despite appropriate treatment
- people with a high risk for cardiovascular events
- Also good for;
- Titrating antihypertensives
- Borderline hypertension
- Hypertension detected early in pregnancy
- Suspected or confirmed Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- Syncope or other features suggesting orthostatic hypertension
Contraindication
- Although not a contraindication, likely to be inaccurate with AF and other arrhythmias
- Where does it fit;
- More accurate than clinic BP’s- which commonly overestimate
- Come in after bathing- you can’t get it wet.
- Wear a top with loose sleeves
- Do normal daily activities
- Preferably a work day rather than a rest day
- When the cuff starts going the person should stop moving and stop talking and keep the arm still and relaxed
- Keep a brief diary to record timing of activities, sleep, taking of meds, any symptoms.
Results
- 24 hr average<115/75, hypertension threshold 130/80
- day time < 120/80 threshold 135/85
- night <105/65 threshold 120/75.
- Night timer average should be >10% less
- BP Load = ( % of times above threshold should be < 20%.
- If % successful readings > 85% then its an OK test