Blood pressure monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is an examination for assessing blood pressure fluctuations and diagnosing hypertension. Unlike a single measurement, this study provides a complete picture of your blood pressure across the full day — at rest and during activity, by day and by night. It can identify “white coat hypertension” (elevated blood pressure at the clinic but not at home) or “masked hypertension” (normal blood pressure at the clinic but elevated at home), both of which are important for arriving at the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Andreas Abel

General practitioner

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Suspected hypertension or confirmation of a diagnosis
  • Ruling out white coat hypertension
  • Detecting masked hypertension
  • Assessing the effectiveness of blood pressure medication
  • Investigating the causes of blood pressure fluctuations
  • Dizziness or fainting associated with changes in blood pressure
  • Assessing cardiovascular risk
  • Monitoring hypertension during pregnancy

Common symptoms

  • Dizziness or fainting

    Particularly if associated with physical activity.
  • Headaches

    Particularly in the morning or persistent throughout the day.
  • Repeatedly elevated blood pressure readings

    Particularly if measured at home.
  • Suspected masked hypertension

    If blood pressure is normal at the clinic but high at home.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Take your usual medications unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
  • Wash thoroughly before coming in, as bathing will not be possible while wearing the device.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows the cuff to be fitted on the upper arm and will not rub against the device.
  • Think through any questions you may have and raise them with your doctor before the procedure.
  • You will be given a diary in which to record all significant activities, symptoms, and the times you take any medications.

What to expect during your appointment

Reception

You will be welcomed and the procedure will be explained to you by a nurse.

Cuff fitting

A blood pressure cuff is placed on your upper arm and connected to a small portable device.

Wearing the device

The device is clipped to a belt or worn around the neck. You will carry it for 24 hours while going about your normal daily activities.

Measurements

The device takes automatic blood pressure readings at set intervals — typically every 30 minutes during the day and every 60 minutes at night.

Keeping the diary

Throughout the monitoring period, you will record all significant activities, symptoms, and medication times in the diary.

Device removal

Once the 24 hours are complete, you return to the clinic for the device and cuff to be removed by a nurse.

Data analysis

The recorded data is uploaded to a computer and analysed in detail.

Feedback

We will share the results with you and, where needed, draw up a treatment plan.

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Blood pressure monitoring The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 75 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Blood pressure monitoring The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 75 €
Payment methods

With a doctor’s referral, Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Outpatient Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

The service at Tartu Kvartal clinic is funded by the Health Insurance Fund based on a referral. To book an appointment funded by the Health Insurance Fund, please call +372 605 1500 or write to klienditugi@meliva.ee.

A visit fee may be added to the cost of treatment. Familiarize yourself with Meliva’s policy on charging visit fees.

Referral

A doctor’s referral is required to book this service.

Who is this appointment for?

24-hour blood pressure monitoring at Meliva is intended for diagnosing blood pressure fluctuations and hypertension in adults.

Referral is made by a doctor.

The examination is safe. Some discomfort from the cuff inflating during measurements is normal, and this may also cause brief waking at night. The device must be kept dry. The examination is non-invasive.

Clinics offering this service

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 24-hour blood pressure monitoring?

It is an examination that automatically measures your blood pressure over 24 hours to build a complete picture of how your blood pressure varies throughout daily life.

Is 24-hour blood pressure monitoring painful?

The examination is not painful, though the cuff inflating and deflating may cause a mild sensation of pressure or brief discomfort.

How long does 24-hour blood pressure monitoring last?

The examination lasts 24 hours, during which you wear the portable blood pressure device.

What does 24-hour blood pressure monitoring show?

The examination shows your average blood pressure readings during the day and night, blood pressure fluctuations, the degree of overnight blood pressure dip, and the effectiveness of any medication.

Do I need a referral for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring?

Yes, a referral is usually required, as this is a specific diagnostic examination whose necessity is determined by a doctor.