Tests in our office · Near Union Square
24-hour blood pressure monitor (ABPM)
One blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office does not tell the whole story. An ambulatory blood pressure monitor checks your blood pressure again and again over a full day, at home.
Same-day appointments available
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Review date: Pending review
The short answer
Blood pressure monitor (ABPM), in brief.
- What it is
- A blood pressure cuff, like the one at the doctor’s office, connected to a small recorder you wear on your belt or waistband. It takes a reading every 15 to 30 minutes during the day, and keeps working while you sleep.
- Why you might need it
- Many people feel a little nervous at the doctor’s office, and that can raise their blood pressure for a short time ("white coat hypertension"). Readings over a full day are more accurate. They help Dr. Ghalchi find out if you have high blood pressure and see how well your treatment is working.
- How long it takes
- Most people wear it for 24 hours.
- How to prepare
- Our team will tell you if there is anything you need to do before your test.
- Do I need a referral?
- No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
- Insurance
- Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test.
- Results
- Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you.
Right here in our office
Tested here, read by Dr. Ghalchi.
The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. Dr. Ghalchi reads your studies and goes over the results with you, and every report is in your patient portal.
MCVA does not do coronary calcium scans, coronary CT angiography or cardiac MRI in our office. If you need one, we arrange it for you.
Why one reading is not enough
Blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office is only a snapshot, and it may not be accurate. Feeling anxious during a visit can make your blood pressure go up for a short time. This is very common and is called "white coat hypertension."
How it works
You wear the cuff on your arm and the recorder on your belt or waistband. It usually takes a reading every 15 to 30 minutes while you do your normal activities.
It also works while you sleep, so it records changes in your blood pressure during the night.
Most people only need to wear it for 24 hours to give Dr. Ghalchi enough readings.
Questions
Common questions.
How long do I wear it?
Most people wear it for 24 hours.
Do I wear it while I sleep?
Yes. It keeps taking readings at night, which shows how your blood pressure changes while you sleep.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
When do I get my results?
Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you. You can also find your reports in your patient portal.
Is it covered by insurance?
Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test. Questions? Call us at 212-686-0066.
Related
Related conditions and symptoms.
Book
Book a visit with Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time online, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network with most major plans, no referral needed.
873 Broadway, Street Level, near Union Square · Get directions