Blood Pressure Holter (ABPM)
The blood pressure Holter (or ABPM, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) is a non-invasive examination that measures blood pressure for 24 hours. It consists of a cuff worn around the left arm — identical to that of traditional blood pressure monitors — connected to a small electronic device fastened at the waist with a belt. Readings are recorded every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night, to minimise sleep disturbance.
It is the reference examination when the doctor wants to confirm or rule out arterial hypertension, assess the effectiveness of a therapy, investigate "white coat hypertension", identify "masked hypertension", or investigate symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and nocturnal blood pressure drops: it measures blood pressure even during sleep, which office measurements alone cannot provide.
The telemedicine cardiological report includes the 24-hour, daytime and nighttime blood pressure averages, the nocturnal drop (dipping), blood pressure load, variability, the circadian curve and clinical guidance useful to the attending physician.
Frequently asked questions
When is a blood pressure Holter useful?
It is indicated to confirm or rule out hypertension, assess the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy, investigate "white coat hypertension" (high values only in a clinical setting), identify "masked hypertension" (normal values in the surgery but high at home), study nocturnal blood pressure drops or symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. It measures blood pressure even during sleep, which office measurements alone cannot provide.
How does the examination work?
The cuff is placed on the left arm (usually the non-dominant one) and connected to a small recorder clipped to the belt. The device automatically measures blood pressure every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night, to reduce sleep disturbances. The recording lasts 24 hours; the following day you return to the pharmacy for removal.
How should I prepare?
Wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved T-shirt, over which you can put a shirt or jumper: the cuff stays underneath and the device outside. No special preparation is required. Continue taking your usual medications as normal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, because the examination is designed precisely to evaluate how your blood pressure behaves on a typical day.
What should I do during the 24 hours?
Live as normal a day as possible: work, usual activities, regular sleep. When you feel the cuff inflating, stop for a few seconds, keep your arm relaxed and lowered at your side: the reading will be more stable. Avoid bath and shower as the device must not get wet. It is useful to note the times of symptoms, medications taken, and when you wake up and go to bed.
What does the report contain?
The telemedicine cardiological report includes all recorded measurements, the 24-hour blood pressure average, the daytime and nighttime averages, the nocturnal blood pressure drop (dipping), the blood pressure load, variability, and a circadian curve, with interpretation and guidance useful to the attending physician.
How long does it take to receive the report?
After removal, the data are sent via telemedicine and in most cases the report is available by the next working day. You will be contacted for collection.
