A tonometer is a device that should be in every home, because a person of any age category may need it. Among the new generation devices on the market, it is worth noting the Omron M2 Basic tonometer. It is very convenient to use and ideal for home use. Let us consider in more detail the characteristics and functions of the device, as well as the reviews of the owners.
What is a tonometer?
In medical practice, special devices are used to measure blood pressure levels - tonometers. With their help, you can at any time find out the indicators of diastolic and systolic pressure. The device allows you to timely detect deviations from the norm and take measures to prevent the development of serious diseases.
The first tonometers were completely mechanical. The advantages of such devices include the affordable cost. Accurate readings can only be obtained if the phonendoscope membrane is located exactly above the artery at the elbow. Air pumping is not carried out quickly, and the descent should be slow and gradual.
Semi-automatic blood pressure monitors require only self-pumping air with a pear. The device itself calculates the pressure level indicators and displays them on a digital display. The most convenient to use are fully automatic devices. This type of device includes the Omron M2 Basic. A person just needs to put on the cuff correctly and turn on the “Start” button, and the device will independently pump air and calculate the level of blood pressure.
When is a tonometer needed?
At first glance, it may seem that pressure meters may only be needed by older people. But in fact, such devices should be in every family, because you need to control not only high, but also low pressure.
Of course, the device will bring special benefit to people with a history of arterial hypertension. Such a diagnosis, according to statistics, has every third inhabitant of the planet. Hypertension is an insidious disease that may not manifest itself for a long time and at one point lead to sad consequences - a heart attack or stroke. Timely pressure measurement will help to avoid this.
Tonometers "Omron"
Manufacturers of medical products today offer a wide selection of devices for measuring blood pressure. Such devices have various functions, which affects the quality, and, of course, cost. The Japanese company Omron offers high-quality products and a wide range of tonometers. Thanks to Intellisense technology used in pressure meters, it is possible to reduce the time of manipulation and reduce the pressure on the tissues located under the cuff.
Among the devices offered by the company, the Omron M2 Basic automatic blood pressure monitor is popular. Customer reviews say that this is a fairly reliable device, showing reliable results. With it, you no longer have to make efforts to pump up the pear and catch the heart rate. The cost of the device is 2200-2800 rubles (depending on configuration).
Product Description
"Omron M2 Basic" is a compact and easy-to-use tonometer of a well-known Japanese manufacturer. All measurements (pulse rate and blood pressure level) are performed automatically. The device is based on the oscillometric method, which consists in recording changes in tissue volume during dosed compression and decompression of a blood vessel. As the sensor is the inner part of the cuff.
The device uses the updated Intellisense system, which is responsible for intelligent management. The device also has an expanded memory capacity and can store data on the last 30 blood pressure measurements. Even people with poor eyesight will be able to see the measurement results thanks to the large liquid crystal display that the Omron M2 Basic tonometer is equipped with.
The instruction informs what with deviations from the norms on the display you can see a special icon. On this model of the device there is only one control button, so difficulties should not arise during operation.
Equipment
The automatic blood pressure meter has the following equipment:
- electronic unit (tonometer itself);
- universal cuff (22-32 cm);
- case for storing the device;
- AA batteries (4 pcs.);
- manual;
- warranty card.
You can also purchase a similar model of "Omron M2 Basic" (photo above) in a complete set with the network adapter. It allows you to connect the device directly to the network and not worry about unusable batteries that affect the measurement results. The adapter can be purchased separately from the tonometer in medical equipment stores. The cost of such a device is 400-450 rubles.
"Omron M2 Basic": instruction
The tonometer is designed to measure blood pressure on the shoulder. For this, the cuff must be put on the left hand and tightened so that it is at the level of the heart. The cuff should fit snugly against the skin.
By the way, in this device the cuff has a universal size and is suitable for those with a circumference of the forearm of 22 to 32 cm. The fan-shaped shape of the cuff allows you to evenly distribute the pressure over the entire area of the artery. This allows you to get accurate indicators and minimize pain. If necessary, a smaller or larger cuff can be purchased separately.
During the procedure, the person should be in a sitting position, not moving and not talking. The hand on which the pressure is measured should be laid on a flat surface. After that, you need to press the button and wait until the result appears on the screen of the Omron M2 Basic tonometer: upper and lower pressure, the number of contractions of the heart muscle per minute (pulse). The air is released automatically.
Process features
People with pathologies of the cardiovascular system need to measure blood pressure several times a day. The first time the procedure is carried out in the morning (40-60 minutes after waking up). At lunchtime, you need to measure the pressure before eating or an hour after eating. Mandatory is the evening control of blood pressure.
To obtain more accurate data, it is recommended to repeat the manipulation three times with an interval of 5 minutes. Doctors recommend recording indicators in a notebook in order to show the cardiologist if necessary. This will allow you to choose the appropriate treatment regimen and monitor the effectiveness of therapy.
Preparation
The Omron M2 Basic tonometer will show the correct result only if the following recommendations for preparing for pressure measurement are observed:
- The procedure should be performed before meals or at least an hour after a meal.
- Before measuring pressure, do not smoke, drink tea or coffee.
- The tonometer cuff is put on a bare hand.
- Manipulation is carried out before taking medications that affect the level of blood pressure.
- After physical activity, measure the pressure with a tonometer after a half-hour rest.
- Do not measure pressure in a cold room.
- The device will show reliable values when the person is completely at rest. It is advisable to take a sitting position.
- Do not cross legs while measuring pressure.
- It is recommended to repeat the measurements several times and calculate the average value.
Omron M2 Basic: reviews
The model of this tonometer is popular among the population. The main advantage is the low cost and the high quality of the device. At home, using a tonometer is quite simple. The device has only one control button located on the case. The feedback from the owners of such a device suggests that with the right approach to the process of measuring blood pressure, Omron M2 Basic shows reliable results.
The accuracy of the indicators can be affected by the patient’s emotional state, the use of nicotine and caffeine, and the use of certain medications. If the device gives an error signal, it is necessary to re-measure the pressure on the same or the other hand after a few minutes.
Low readings appear if the batteries in the tonometer become unusable. It is recommended to change the batteries after 3-4 months with frequent use of the device. It is most reliable to measure pressure with a tonometer connected to the network using an adapter. Its presence should be paid attention to when buying a device.