Do you need a referral for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring?

This monitoring uses a portable cuff that records blood pressure at intervals while you follow a normal day and sleep routine. It can help compare readings outside the clinic with office measurements and show how pressure changes over the day. The clinician arranging it will explain how to wear the cuff, keep the arm still during readings and return the device.

Ask a general-practice clinician whether monitoring is suitable for your readings and symptoms. Bring a list of medicines and mention dizziness, fainting, pregnancy or arm problems. Wear loose clothing, continue medicines only as instructed, and record symptoms, activity and sleep if asked. Keep the cuff and monitor dry unless the service gives different instructions.

Do not wait for monitoring if you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, new weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, fainting or a severe sudden headache. Contact a clinician promptly if repeated readings are very high or the cuff causes marked pain, numbness or swelling. The monitor is an assessment tool, not emergency treatment.

Ask why monitoring is recommended, how often readings will occur, whether to change your routine, when results will be reviewed, and what to do if a reading or symptom concerns you.