Blood Pressure Test

Using a portable monitor, the test records blood pressure at regular intervals within a 24-hour period.

The blood pressure test is used to assess the seriousness of hypertension or hypotension of a patient and the effectiveness of medications.

The blood pressure test is provided by the Cardiology Clinic.

How to access our services?

  • You must have a referral from your physician to get an appointment and pass this test.
  • Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover the test. A $40 fee is payable before the monitor is installed.

About The Program

What to bring

  • Valid Health card
  • List of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines

When you arrive

  • Please use the new Main Entrance and register at one of the self-serve kiosks at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Clerks are available to help with the registration process.
  • Upon registering, take a “puck”. It will buzz and light up when your turn comes up and indicate in which room to report.
  • Use the Cardiology door to go to your exam room.
  • Room numbers and other public interest messages are presented on the TV screens.

Preparation and procedure

  • The blood pressure test is painless. but you have to wear an armband and a belt-held device for 24 hours.
  • In the daytime and the evening, the armband inflates automatically every 30 minutes, until 10:00 p.m. Overnight, it inflates every hour, until 7:00 a.m.
  • You will have to keep track of your symptoms and activities in a diary.
  • You may not bathe or shower until the monitor is returned.
  • You have to bring the portable device back to the hospital at the scheduled time.

Test results

  • The cardiologist will analyze the recorded data and send a written report to the referring physician within 10 working days.

The team

  • Cardiologist
  • Cardiology technologist