Better Diagnosis and Better treatment of High Blood Pressure.
The diagnosis and treatment of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) requires careful consideration. 24h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) allows blood pressure measurements to be taken every 30 minutes day and night outwith the confines of the doctor's office. 24h ABPM is a more sensitive test to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension. This approach can differentiate "white coat hypertension" from true hypertension. Several International Expert Groups recommend that 24 hour ABPM is completed where a diagnosis of hypertension is being considered, and to assess adequacy of response to blood pressure lowering therapy.
NZ Health Insurance companies recognise the value of 24h ABPM, and will cover the costs of such an investigation where appropriate. Waitemata Endocrinology now provide a 24 ABPM service using discrete, reliable and modern oscillometric meters. A full printed report detailling blood pressures throughout the day and night is provided along with treatment recommendations.
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