A resting ECG records the electrical activity of the heart at one point in time. Ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring (ABPM) records repeated blood-pressure measurements while you continue normal daily activities, helping distinguish sustained hypertension from readings affected by the clinic setting.
What happens during a resting ECG?
Small adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest and limbs and connected to the ECG machine. The test is non-invasive, usually quick and painless. A resting ECG is a short recording, so intermittent rhythm disturbances may not be present during the test.
What happens during ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring?
A blood-pressure cuff is fitted to the arm and connected to a small recorder. The cuff inflates automatically at programmed intervals while you go about normal activities. The pattern of readings over the recording period is more informative than one isolated clinic measurement.
Why ABPM is useful
Major hypertension guidelines recommend out-of-office monitoring to confirm suspected hypertension in many adults. It can also help identify white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension and whether treatment provides adequate day-and-night control.
Preparing for monitoring
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.
- Continue regular medicines unless the clinician specifically asks you to change them.
- For a resting ECG, avoid body lotion or oil on the chest because it can reduce electrode adhesion.
- During ABPM, continue a representative normal day and record important symptoms, exercise, sleep and medication times if asked.
- Most ambulatory monitors are not waterproof; follow the device-specific instructions regarding bathing or showering.