A tonometer is a diagnostic device for measuring blood pressure

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

Tonometer - what is it

If you don’t yet know the name of the device for measuring pressure, then it’s worth getting 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 doctors and home hobbyists to “measure blood pressure” is the arterial option. It consists of:

1. pressure gauge – shows pressure numbers on the display;
2. an air blower (a rubber bulb is popular) with a pressure release valve;
3. measurement holder cuff – in the standard version, it is attached approximately above the elbow.

How to measure pressure correctly

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

• Measurements are taken only while sitting;
• It is better to lean your back on a chair or other surface;
• The arm on which the cuff will be placed should be near the heart;
• During the test you need to sit 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 your blood pressure, no smoking, alcohol or junk food - this will negatively affect the result.

After completing the measurement, you will receive three indicators at once:

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

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

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

What types of pressure measuring devices are there?

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

Mechanical tonometer

It consists of a dial on which the pressure is shown, cuffs, bulbs with a valve, as well as a phonendoscope - allows you to monitor systolic, diastolic pressure and pulse level.

If we talk about which option shows the most accurate results, then we can definitely 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 been available.

All other modifications are checked according to the indicators of the mechanical tonometer. A kind of standard in the world of pressure measurement.

How incomparable pros can be distinguished:

• the cuff is designed in such a way that it can be worn by both an adult with a large hand and a child with a much smaller hand;
• There is no need to replace batteries, as everything works in manual mode. You can take it on the road and not worry that the device will shrink;
• Compared to modifications, it costs an order of magnitude lower.

Flaws:

• At first, you will need to learn how to measure pressure correctly. Believe me, this requires skill;
• clear hearing is required for testing;
• This is not always a convenient device for self-measurement.

Electronic model of tonometer

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Although less accurate, it is more convenient to use than its “mechanical brother”. Consists of a cuff and an electronic display. On the last one you can see all the measurements. The semi-automatic machines, which we will discuss below, have a rubber bulb.

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

Advantages options as follows:

1. more accurate measurement indicators;
2. small size, convenient to store;
3. works both from mains and batteries (depending on the model);
4. in everyday life has proven itself to be 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: the pear is extremely inconvenient for independent work, especially for a small child.

An automatic tonometer is a more advanced model with a bunch of additional settings. In such devices, pressure is pumped automatically - immediately after installing the cuff and pressing start.

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

What are the advantages:

• small size;
• works from mains or batteries;
• a person does not have to ask for outside help, since everything is done automatically;
• Depending on the price and assembly, additional parameters may be available:
• arrhythmia detection indicator;
• sensor for correct air pumping;
• indicator responsible for the correct position of the phonendoscope;
• has internal memory - remembers from 2 previous measurements;
• After the end of the measurement it turns off on its own.

Flaws:

• The device is extremely delicate. Requires a correct and thrifty approach;
• if you missed at least one rule for measuring pressure, the probability of getting 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 you to measure your blood pressure.

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