Tonometer is a diagnostic device for measuring blood pressure – Setafi

Blood pressure is the level of blood pressure in the vessels. It is extremely necessary to constantly measure it for athletes, hypertensive patients, core patients and other categories of the population. It is impossible to do without a normal tool that gives relatively correct indicators, so you should have a tonometer at hand. What it is and how to use it correctly - everything in our article right now.

Tonometer - what is it

If you still don’t know what the pressure measuring device is called, then you should get to know it better. A tonometer is a device for measuring not only blood pressure, but also intramuscular and intraocular pressure.

The most common among physicians and home lovers to "measure pressure" is the arterial variant. It consists of:

1. pressure gauge - shows the pressure figures on the scoreboard;
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2. an air blower (a rubber bulb is popular) with a pressure release valve;
3. cuff-holder of the measurer - in the standard version, it is attached approximately above the elbow.

How to measure pressure correctly

The procedure is extremely simple, but even half of the consumers do not adhere to it. The result - the indicators do not correspond to the real ones, and you run after pills that will not give any result anyway. Instead, just a few rules will save you from wasting your nerves:

• Measurements are taken only while sitting;
• It is better to lean on a chair or other surface with your back;
• The arm on which the cuff will be placed should be near the heart;
• During the test, you need to sit up straight and be silent;
• Legs stand straight, without crossing;
• If the measurement is carried out with both hands - take a break of 10 minutes;
• An hour before checking the pressure, no smoking, alcohol or junk food - this will negatively affect the result.

After completing the measurement, you will immediately receive three indicators:

Systolic pressure is maximum. The average for the norm is 120 beats. But it is extremely averaged, since each person has his own norm.

Diastolic pressure is at a minimum. During the relaxation phase, the average is 80.

Pulse. The normal range is 60-80 beats per minute.

What are pressure measuring devices?

Among all devices, two categories can be distinguished: mechanical and electronic.

Mechanical tonometer

It consists of a dial that shows pressure, cuffs, pears with a valve, as well as a phonendoscope - allows you to monitor systolic, diastolic pressure and pulse level.

If we talk about which of the options shows the most accurate results, then we can accurately refer to the mechanical one. Simple, but does not depend on the weakness of the measured pulse and the presence of arrhythmia.

Doctors to this day use a mechanical tonometer precisely because it gives results much more accurately, despite the fact that electronic analogues have long appeared.

According to the indicators of a mechanical tonometer, all other modifications are checked. A sort of standard in the world of pressure measurement.

What incomparable pros can be distinguished:

• the cuff is designed in such a way that both an adult with a large hand and a child can put it on - the handle is much smaller;
• no need to change batteries as everything works in manual mode. You can take it on the road and not worry that the device will sit down;
• compared to modifications is an order of magnitude lower.

Flaws:

• the first time you will need to learn how to measure pressure correctly. Believe me, it takes skill;
• a clear ear is required for verification;
• for self-measurement, this is not always a convenient device.

Electronic model of the tonometer

Although less accurate, it is more convenient to use than its "mechanical counterpart". Consists of a cuff and an electronic board. On the last one you see all measurements. In the semi-automatic machines, which we will discuss below, there is a rubber pear.

Semi-automatic tonometer - in it the air is pumped manually using a pear. The results are displayed on an interactive electronic scoreboard.

Advantages options as follows:

1.  more accurate measurements;
2.  small size, easy to store;
3.  works both from a network, and on batteries (depending on model);
4. in everyday life has established itself as more than simple mechanics;
5. remembers the time and result of several previous procedures;
6. shows the presence of an arrhythmic disorder, if you have one.

Flaws: a pear is extremely inconvenient for independent work, especially for a small child.

Automatic blood pressure monitor is a more advanced model with a bunch of additional settings. In such devices, pressure is pumped in automatically - immediately after installing the cuff and pressing start.

In this regard, regardless of age and physical fitness, automation takes the lead among home blood pressure monitors.

What are the benefits:

• small size;
• works from a network or on accumulators;
• a person may not ask for help from outsiders, since everything is done automatically;
• Depending on the price and assembly, there may be additional options:
• arrhythmia detection indicator;
• air pumping correctness sensor;
• indicator responsible for the correct position of the phonendoscope;
• has an internal memory - remembers from 2 previous measurements;
• after the end of the measurement, it turns off automatically.

Flaws:

• the device is extremely delicate. Requires a correct and thrifty approach;
• if at least one rule for measuring pressure is missed, the probability of obtaining an incorrect result is reduced to 90 percent;
• the cost is higher than that of mechanical and semi-automatic, but the costs are fully justified. Especially if you live alone and there is no one to ask to measure the pressure.

When deciding to buy a blood pressure monitor, it is better to consult with your doctor. He knows exactly what is now suitable for a particular age, problems with pressure. And that's all for today! Good luck and good health!