Grundy County Memorial Hospital Offers Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

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Grundy County Memorial Hospital now offers Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), a 24-hour test that provides an in-depth look at your blood pressure during daily activities and sleep. ABPM helps diagnose and manage high blood pressure, which is defined by a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher, and a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher.

Who’s a Candidate for ABPM?

ABPM is helpful for more than just diagnosing hypertension. It’s also used to monitor:
• Hypertension during pregnancy: ABPM helps track high blood pressure in pregnant women.
• Borderline or fluctuating hypertension: For patients with inconsistent blood pressure readings.
• Medication changes: To see how new treatments affect blood pressure.
• Refractory hypertension: When high blood pressure doesn’t respond to typical treatments.
• Episodes of fainting or low blood pressure: To monitor and address issues with hypotension.

Is a Referral Needed?

Yes, ABPM requires a referral from your primary care provider (PCP). 
How Do I Schedule ABPM?
Once your PCP provides the referral, the GCMH scheduling team will reach out to help you schedule your appointment with the GCMH Respiratory Therapy team, who gets you set up with the monitor. 

How Does ABPM Work?

  1. Attaching the Monitor: The ABPM device, which includes a cuff, will be attached at the clinic by a respiratory therapy team member. It takes blood pressure readings every 15 to 30 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes to an hour at night.
  2. Wear During Normal Activities: Continue with your usual activities. However, avoid swimming, bathing, or showering, as the device is sensitive to moisture.
  3. At Night: Keep the monitor beside your bed or under your pillow while you sleep. 
    - Sit still with your arm at heart level.
    - Avoid talking or moving the arm.
  4. During Readings: When the device beeps, make sure the cuff is positioned correctly, and follow these tips:
  5. Recording Information: Note what you're doing at the time of each reading, when you go to bed, and if you took your medication.

After 24 hours, you will bring the monitor back to the GCMH Specialty Clinic. The data is then analyzed, and your primary care provider will review it to decide the next steps for your treatment.

ABPM offers a comprehensive approach to managing blood pressure, helping patients and doctors understand the full picture of cardiovascular health. If you think you might benefit from this test, talk to your PCP about getting a referral to Grundy County Memorial Hospital today.