24 hour Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure is a measure of the force your heart must use to push blood around your body. People can suffer from high or low blood pressure. Average blood pressure readings are around 120/80 mmHg. The top number or the the systolic pressure is a measure of blood pressure at its highest (as the heart muscles contracts). The bottom number or the diastolic pressure is a measure of the pressure at its lowest (when the hear muscle is relaxs). 

Generally high blood pressure (or hypertension) is a  measurement greater than 140/90mmHg.  Low  blood pressure (or hypotension) is 90/60mmHg or lower. High blood pressure can affect people of all ages, and often it does not show symptoms. If it is not treated or kept under control it is one of the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring measures your blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. In doing this you can establish if your blood pressure is consistently or intermittently high.  

There are several reasons that you may benefit from 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.  These include:

• You have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and your doctor (or you) wants to check how lifestyle changes or medication are helping to lower your blood pressure.

• You suffer from ‘white coat hypertension’.  This means that when you are at the doctors surgery or pharmacy getting your blood pressure measured you get an abnormally high reading as you are nervous or stressed.

• Your doctor may want to monitor and check your blood pressure at night.

• You have conditions that affect your heart, such as high cholesterol or diabetes.

Prior to starting the service, the pharmacist will explain in detail how a 24 hour Blood Pressure Monitor works. The pharmacist will fit you with a small, lightweight monitor to wear on a belt around your waist.  This monitor is then connected to a cuff on your arm. The monitor and cuff are fitted for a 24 hour period. At regular intervals during the 24 hour period the cuff inflates and deflates and the monitor measures and records your blood pressure.  You are advised to continue your day as normal, so that a true reflection of your blood pressure over 24 hours can be obtained. After the 24 hour period, you return to the pharmacy.  The monitor and cuff are removed and the data is uploaded onto a computer. You will be given a copy of your results and a soft copy if needded. These copies can be given to your doctor. 

If you wish to inquire about the service further or are unsure if you should receive the monitoring service you can avail of a free consultation with one of our pharmacy team. Currently this service is only available in our Garden st. pharmacy.

The cost of the 24 hour monitoring service is €60.  This includes the appointment to fit the monitor, the follow up 24 hours later to upload and print your results and any further advice needed.