Blood pressure tests are a common procedure at any family practice clinic within the PCN. Elevated blood pressure is of concern as this can lead to stroke or other serious health complications. In the event a blood pressure reading is unclear, or if you were nervous during the test, it can be difficult to rely on the one or two measurements taken at your latest visit to determine whether or not your blood pressure is significantly elevated and may require treatment. Your physician may refer you to the 24 Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring Program in either Westlock or Athabasca.    

You would then see a PCN Nurse and be fitted with a small, portable blood pressure monitoring device which takes your blood pressure dozens of times over the course of a 24 hour period. The results shown during that 24 hour interval can establish trends in your blood pressure and provide your physician with valuable information to assess your situation and guide the management of your care.