How to correctly measure pressure with an electronic tonometer: how often to measure, on which hand, features of devices
The content of the article:
- Features of electronic devices for measuring blood pressure
- How to correctly measure blood pressure with an automatic tonometer
- Popular devices for measuring blood pressure
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Frequently asked questions about measuring blood pressure with an electronic tonometer
- How often should blood pressure be measured?
- On which hand is it better to measure: on the left or on the right?
- Why does it show different pressure on different hands?
- Does an electronic device overestimate the numbers compared to a hand-held tonometer?
- What is the best time to measure?
- Video
To correctly measure pressure with an electronic tonometer, you must follow the basic recommendations:
- take measurements in a calm environment. For 20-30 minutes before the procedure for determining blood pressure (blood pressure), refrain from psycho-emotional and physical exertion, taking strong tea, coffee and caffeine-containing drinks, alcohol;
- make sure that the batteries are functional, installed with the correct polarity, if the device is used with independent power sources. If the tonometer is equipped with a power supply, you must make sure that it is connected correctly and not damaged;
- take a comfortable position for the time of measurement (lying or sitting);
- during the measurement process, keep calm, do not move or speak.
Omron automatic blood pressure monitor is one of the most popular on the market
Features of electronic devices for measuring blood pressure
In order to measure the pressure as correctly as possible with an electronic tonometer, you need to know what types of devices exist, since the algorithms for working with them are somewhat different.
Electronic tonometers are of two types: semi-automatic and fully automated. In the first case, the device is equipped with a special rubber blower (pear). The determination of the pressure figures takes place with the partial participation of the user himself: the cuff of the device is manually filled with air. Fully automatic devices operate without patient intervention; such devices do not have a rubber blower. To take a measurement, just put on the cuff and press the button that activates the device.
Automated blood pressure monitors are available in two versions:
- with a cuff that fits over the shoulder;
- in the form of a monoblock, which is fixed on the wrist like a watch.
Electronic devices operate according to the oscillometric principle. At the same time, highly sensitive sensors located in the cuff pneumatic cylinder read air fluctuations in it during vascular pulsation - that is, not blood shocks in the arteries are recorded, but air shocks in the cuff.
For this reason, wrist devices that record blood pressure on a thinner radial artery are not recommended for blood pressure monitoring in persons over 45 years of age or in patients with vascular disease. The measurement result in this case will have a high error.
Electronic blood pressure monitors are most convenient for measuring blood pressure to oneself (without assistance), which is especially important for lonely, elderly patients, people with impaired vision and hearing who find it difficult to use a handheld device, as well as for patients who require systematic blood pressure monitoring.
How to correctly measure blood pressure with an automatic tonometer
The algorithm for measuring pressure with an electronic tonometer of a semi-automatic type is as follows:
- Take a comfortable body position, if possible, do not talk and do not actively move a few minutes before the measurement (this can provoke a short-term rise in blood pressure and distort the result).
- Place the hand on a flat surface so that it is approximately at the level of the middle of the chest.
- Put the cuff on the shoulder, placing the tubes on the inside of the hand, as indicated in the instructions for the device, and not fix it very tightly (so that a finger can be placed between its surface and the hand).
- Switch on the device ("Start" or "Start" button, depending on the modification of the device).
- Using a bulb, fill the air bellow with air until an audible signal (in some models and visual indication) appears, which indicates that the cuff is full.
- Upon completion of the measurement process, information on the value of systolic and diastolic pressure, as well as pulse rate will be displayed on the LCD monitor.
The device will automatically bleed air; no action is required.
The use of an automatic blood pressure meter with a pneumatic balloon fixing on the shoulder is slightly different from the use of a semiautomatic device.
Actions are performed in the same order, but instead of inflating the cuff with a pump, the user simply presses the "Start" button. All measurement steps in this case are performed by the device independently without patient intervention.
The rules for measuring blood pressure using a tonometer on the wrist are almost the same as in previous cases.
Wrist gauges are mounted in the joint projection, just above the hand (approximately like a wristwatch). In this case, the main unit of the device should be turned on the inner side of the hand.
The tonometer is located at the same level with the heart. It is not recommended to move the hand or fingers during the procedure. For maximum reliability of the obtained data, you need to repeat the measurement twice with an interval of 3-5 minutes and determine the average value.
The photo shows a semi-automatic tonometer.
Semi-automatic blood pressure monitors require manual cuff inflation
Popular devices for measuring blood pressure
There are several brands on the modern market that produce the best semi-automatic and automatic devices, including Tensoval, Microlife, B. Well, Little Doctor. But the most popular were the Japanese manufacturers of blood pressure monitors: AED (AnD) and Omron.
Several automated models are of greatest interest from the point of view of the ratio of functionality, quality and cost:
- AnD UA-888. Budget shoulder tonometer, powered by replaceable batteries. Has a memory for several dozen measurements, automatically calculates the average blood pressure, signals a violation of the heart rhythm;
- Omron M2. Equipped with an anatomical cuff, has the ability to connect children's accessories if necessary, works on the basis of an intelligent algorithm "intelligent sensitivity", which helps to make the measurement process as comfortable and accurate as possible;
- AnD UA-777. This device is distinguished by a universal cuff of a new generation, which is suitable for users with non-standard shoulder volume, the presence of a graphic scale of the degree of increase in blood pressure (according to the criteria of the World Health Organization), a manufacturer's warranty for ten years of use.
Frequently asked questions about measuring blood pressure with an electronic tonometer
How often should blood pressure be measured?
In the presence of a disease - in the morning and in the evening, preferably twice, with an interval of 3-5 minutes (with the determination of average values), as well as in case of deterioration of health For episodic control - when discomfort appears (headache, dizziness, stabbing pain in the heart, a feeling of weakness, flashes of flies or light spots in front of the eyes, tinnitus, drowsiness). There is no specific rule for how many times a day to measure blood pressure.
On which hand is it better to measure: on the left or on the right?
More often, the pressure is determined on the left hand, although this is not a mandatory requirement. Experts advise to initially measure on both limbs and then use the arm on which the readings were greater to determine blood pressure.
Why does it show different pressure on different hands?
The most common causes are the anatomical features of the structure of the muscles and the vascular bed, arterial diseases, impaired autonomic regulation, psychoemotional instability.
Does an electronic device overestimate the numbers compared to a hand-held tonometer?
Modern electronic devices have an error not exceeding 3-5 mm Hg. Art. The opinion that digital devices consistently overestimate or underestimate indicators is a myth.
What is the best time to measure?
Cardiologists advise measuring blood pressure daily, morning and evening.
Video
We offer for viewing a video on the topic of the article.
Olesya Smolnyakova Therapy, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy About the author
Education: higher, 2004 (GOU VPO "Kursk State Medical University"), specialty "General Medicine", qualification "Doctor". 2008-2012 - Postgraduate student of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, KSMU, Candidate of Medical Sciences (2013, specialty "Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology"). 2014-2015 - professional retraining, specialty "Management in education", FSBEI HPE "KSU".
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