Every person suffering from hypertension, sooner or later thinks about how to get a device for measuring blood pressure. Thanks to this device, you can independently monitor the state of the cardiovascular system in order to take the necessary drugs in time to normalize well-being. To do this, you should know how to correctly measure the pressure. Instruments and units of measurement will be described in the article.
What is a tonometer for?
Arterial pressure is an indicator that determines the force of blood pressure on the walls of the arteries at the moments when the heart muscle relaxes most (diastolic, lower) and contracts (systolic, upper). To find out, you need a device for measuring blood pressure. Its name is a tonometer. The unit that determines blood pressure is a millimeter of mercury.
This indicator of the health status of the body is one of the most important. To obtain true testimony, it is worth observing the rules for taking measurements. Ignoring them, you distort the real values of the tonometer. This may affect the correct diagnosis.
Before measuring blood pressure, you should rest for at least 15 minutes. Do not smoke, drink energy drinks or coffee half an hour before the measurement. The bladder should be empty. During the procedure, it is necessary to lie or sit upright, relaxed, without squeezing the abdominal cavity. Compliance with these rules will help to more accurately determine blood pressure indicators, which are important for monitoring the state of the body. Regular measurements are necessary for hypertensive patients, persons with heart disease, as well as hypotensive patients.
The choice of apparatus for measuring blood pressure
How to choose a device for measuring blood pressure? The question most often arises in people suffering from hypertension, for whom this device is very necessary. So, we choose a device for measuring blood pressure.
There are two types of tonometers: electronic (automatic, semi-automatic) and mechanical. The main criteria for choosing a device are:
- type of apparatus;
- accuracy;
- cuff;
- pear;
- functions
- service maintenance.
Mechanical devices
Mechanical devices are the most reliable and accurate. No disturbances or cardiac arrhythmia occurring during the measurements do not affect the accuracy of the result. They are very easy to use if you have at least a little experience. The magnitude of the error in the testimony depends on the skills of the person who performed the measurement of blood pressure. Mechanical tonometers are equipped with:
- pneumatic supercharger (pear);
- phonendoscope;
- shoulder cuff;
- manometer (mercury or membrane).
Devices in which a supercharger and a manometer are combined, and a phonendoscope head is mounted in the device, are better suited for independent pressure measurement. The main advantages of mechanical blood pressure monitors are accuracy and durability.
If you have good blood pressure measurement skills, as well as excellent vision and hearing, a mechanical tonometer is the best choice. This device gives the most accurate result. In addition, it does not require changing batteries or charging from the mains. Its cost is much lower than electronic tonometers. Professionals use this particular type of apparatus.
Measurements by a mechanical device are performed using a specific algorithm.
1. A cuff is placed on the forearm, 2 cm above the elbow.
2. A phonendoscope is applied to the ulnar fossa.
3. Pear air is pumped into the cuff, and after the cessation of pulsating sounds, the injection is increased by 40 mm mercury column.
4. Air is slowly released, while at the moment of appearance and termination of sounds, the position of the gauge needle is fixed. Systolic (upper) pressure determines the first value, diastolic (lower) - determines the second.
Electronic devices
Electronic devices are more advanced. They can independently measure both pressure and pulse. This device for measuring blood pressure does not require a phonendoscope, is equipped with a human heart rate tracking indicator, and has high accuracy. Thanks to the oscillometric electronic system, the device independently determines the indicators of pressure and heart rate.
Cuff fixation in automatic blood pressure monitors can be carried out on the shoulder and on the wrist. They are convenient for measuring blood pressure outside the home, since for this it is enough to simply raise the sleeve. But carpal sphygmomanometers are not suitable for people with various diseases of the blood vessels, as they may not accurately show the values. The possibility of using them should be consulted with a doctor.
Semi-automatic electronic devices are designed to measure blood pressure on the shoulder. They are equipped with a memory unit and run on batteries. Blood pressure measurement, instruments and measurement algorithm are very simple. To do this, follow: fasten the cuff to the shoulder and with the other hand, using the pear, pump air. Indicators of values are displayed on the scoreboard. Tonometers with cuffs on the wrist are not recommended for older people.
For people who have poor eyesight and hearing, as well as those who do not know how to use a mechanical device and do not know how to measure blood pressure, which device is better to choose? There is no doubt - to purchase an automatic device with a shoulder cuff.
Measurement accuracy
When choosing a tonometer, it is necessary to take into account such a criterion as the accuracy of its readings. When measuring blood pressure, the permissible error is 3 mm, and when measuring the heart rate - 5 mm. These indicators are suitable for all types of devices. Accuracy indications are affected by:
- use of inappropriate instruments for measuring blood pressure;
- habit of measuring pressure several times in a row;
- taking measurements in a hurry.
Cuff
The cuff plays an important role in measuring pressure. At home, it is better to use this element if a metal lock is located on it. This part helps to properly fix the cuffs on the arm. Cuffs are made of cotton or nylon. To use the house, it is better to purchase it from cotton.
Shoulder cuffs for electronic blood pressure monitors are produced in several standard sizes: for children - 15-22 cm, for adults - 32-42 cm and 22-32 cm. Mechanical devices have cuffs: 7-12, 18-26, 34-51, 11 -16, 25-40 cm. For fixation on the thigh - 40-66 cm. Wrist devices are equipped with a cuff measuring 13-20 cm.
Supercharger (pear)
A high-quality supercharger makes it possible to quickly and easily measure pressure. It should be easy to use. Too tight a supercharger complicates the measurement process, especially if it is carried out by an elderly person. When buying a device, it is better to choose a pear made of latex. It is more convenient to use and durable.
Functionality
Electronic blood pressure monitors have calendars, timers, clocks, and apparatus monitoring systems. Some models are equipped with diagnostic functions: automatic calculation of the average indicator, heart rate tracking indicator, artificial intelligence system that works without errors if a person has arrhythmia. Electronic devices have a mains power supply.
Service maintenance
When choosing a device for measuring blood pressure, you should pay attention to those manufacturers whose service centers are located closer to your locality or are located in it. You should make sure that the passport for the tonometer has a metrological seal and information in Russian, as well as the period of operation. The best option for buying a tonometer is specialized stores from the manufacturer.
The article indicates what blood pressure and devices for measuring it are, how to choose them and where to buy them. Read the information carefully, and also consult with a doctor who will tell you which device is right for you.