The tonometer is obliged to be in the home of every person experiencing problems with arterial pressure( BP).It was created to prevent the undesirable consequences of hypertension, other pathologies. The device for monitoring human pressure has different types, so it is important to know the merits and demerits of each.
Things to Consider When Buying a Tonometer Home
In order not to be mistaken with the choice of a device, it is necessary to take into account not only the brand, cost and functionality. Influenced by extremely important certain initial factors:
- cuff size;
- concomitant diseases of the body.
Cuff size
Before choosing a tonometer, it is necessary to measure the shoulder girth, since in the pharmacies machines with three types of cuffs are sold - large, medium or small. There are universal instruments for measuring blood pressure immediately with the entire set of sizes. If the girth of the shoulder is:
- less than 21 cm - the device with a small cuff( suitable for the child);
- 22 - 35 cm - medium cuff;
- 35 - 45 cm - large volume.
Presence of concomitant diseases
Acquiring a tonometer follows those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases and take drugs from increased or decreased pressure. Specialists several factors of CVD development are overweight, hypertension, stress, smoking. The tonometer will be most useful to those who suffer from ailments:
- arrhythmia;
- infarction;
- heart defects;
- heart failure.
Which type of pressure measuring device is better
Pressure measuring instruments are divided into:
- automatic
- semi-automatic
- mechanical.
The most modern tonometers are digital( automatic).Such a device for measuring human pressure is simple. The equipment does not require effort in use. You just need to press the button and the device will do everything for you. The other types of devices also have their own advantages, so it's better to conclude what type of tonometer is best-an automatic, semi-automatic, mechanic-each person can do for himself personally. It is necessary to know the characteristics that different groups of apparatus for measuring blood pressure have.
Tonometer semi-automatic
A mixed type of tonometers involves partial human participation in the measurement process. The air in the rubber pear should be pumped by the user, and the rest will be made by the user himself. The best consumers of these devices will be young mothers, since semi-automatic tonometers are easier to use than mechanical ones, and not as expensive as automatic ones. Consider the obvious advantages and disadvantages of such devices. The pluses include:
- cost - for semi-automatic devices it is lower than automatic;
- in semi-automatic machines due to the principle of action there is no phonendoscope, which makes it easier for the measuring instrument;
- check the blood pressure of a person as quickly as possible;
- longer service life than automatic.
Minuses of semiautomatic tonometers:
- readings during the test can "lie";
- to pump up air it is necessary independently.
Electronic
The state-of-the-art type of blood pressure monitor that measures blood pressure with automatic calibration with little or no human intervention. You just need to just put the cuff or bracelet on your hand, press the button. The device will set the man's pressure reading, displaying them on the liquid crystal display. The automatic tonometer is suitable for the elderly, since it is very easy to use. Apparatus for measuring pressure has a number of drawbacks:
- Most models have large dimensions.
- Excessive sensitivity of automatic devices affects the readings, requires verification.
- Many models are unrusified. This is inconvenient for Russian-speaking users.
- High cost of devices.
- You need to periodically replace the batteries.
Mechanical Pressure Gauge
The most common, but not modern type of tonometers is mechanical. They are characterized by high accuracy of readings, but people who have received some training can use these pressure gauges. Often, mechanical devices are used by physicians. The advantages are:
- Low cost makes the mechanical devices available to all segments of the population.
- The ability to accurately determine the data of a person's blood pressure.
Disadvantages of mechanical devices for measuring human pressure:
- The process of testing blood pressure is longer than with digital devices.
- Special skills are required.
- Self-measurement is very inconvenient.
Bracelet for measuring pressure and pulse
The wrist tonometer is very popular among buyers due to its ease of use and mobility. However, in comparison with the rest, they are recommended to people under 40, since the elasticity of the vessel walls decreases with age, and this directly affects the indications of the device. The procedure is the same as with automatic blood pressure meters:
- put on a bracelet on the wrist;
- press the button;
- wait for the information on the display.
Where and how to buy a tonometer for home use
Human blood pressure measuring devices are sold in pharmacies, specialized stores of medical equipment and on the websites of online stores. All options are good in their own way. The best option is to purchase a tonometer in an inexpensive pharmacy, where it will be given a warranty card. The main thing is to remember that it is not worth buying a BP meter, used since it can give incorrect data.
On the Internet, blood pressure monitors are represented by a wide range of manufacturers, but when delivered by a transport company, it can be damaged, and this involves unnecessary difficulties. Prices for blood pressure meters are different: the cost of mechanical devices varies between 500-2500 r. Pay attention to the quality of rubber. In budget models, pears and tubes are excessively quickly damaged. Semiautomatic pressure meters can be ordered for 1000-2000 rubles, and automatic ones - 1700-3000 rubles.
The cost of models and their features
It should be noted several manufacturers who manufacture good measuring instruments. In terms of price / quality, users prefer brands such as Omron, Boyerer and AND.If finances do not allow to purchase expensive apparatus for measuring human pressure, then one can find simpler ones. They are quite capable of competing with the advanced in accuracy of the testimony, but lack some additional functions.
Omron
The Japanese company Omron produces quality semi-automatic and automatic models of tonometers. In the market, this company takes a leading position in the manufacture of various medical equipment. In each of the devices there is a special technology of intelligent measurement Intellisense, which eliminates the excess air intake in the cuff. The feature allows you to get the most accurate data. The automatic model of the device from the company Omron Eco M2, which is worn on the shoulder, costs 2000 rubles, and the semiautomatic device C1 - 1500 rubles.
Beurer
The German firm Boirer has been a leader in the manufacture of medical equipment for almost a hundred years. High quality and durability - one of the qualities that the tonometers of the company from Germany possess. In the range of pressure meters from the company Boyerre automatic devices with various additional functions are represented:
- apparatus with a cuff on the arm BM40 - 1950;
- blood pressure meter on wrist VS19 - 2250 r.;
- wrist pressure measuring device with arrhythmia indicator ВС41 - 1350р.
AND
The Japanese-Chinese tonometer manufacturer AND is very popular due to its high quality, accurate data rate and democratic prices. So, on the shelves of pharmacies you can find an automatic model of BP meters for 1900 rubles, and the semi-automaton will cost only 1000 rubles. The presence of additional functions( a meter of human eye pressure, internal memory, warning timer and others) depends on the price of the device.
How to measure the blood pressure of the
To get the exact result of measuring pressure using any type of tonometers, you must follow certain rules. General Tips:
- One hour before the measurement of blood pressure should refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol or coffee.
- The hand should be relaxed.
- During the procedure, do not move, work hand or talk.
- Between the measurements, wait 3-5 minutes to normalize the pressure.
Automatic tonometer
How to measure the pressure of an electronic tonometer:
- place the cuff on the arm;
- place your hand at the level of the heart;
- click the button to start the procedure;
- wait until the data appears on the display;
- repeat the procedure 1-2 times to deduce the mean;
- record the results.
Mechanical device for blood pressure measurement
Method for measuring blood pressure by mechanical tonometer:
- The cuffs should be applied 5 centimeters above the elbow.
- Attach the stethoscope to the top of the forearm in the middle.
- Pump the cuff of the pears to 200-220 mm of mercury.
- Slowly release air. Try to hear the pulse in the stethoscope.
- When the first shock occurs, remember the machine readings( upper blood pressure).
- After the last audible pulse beat, remember the instrument reading( lower BP).
- Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
Video: Why you need a device for measuring pressure
Reviews
Valentina, 62 years : An automatic tonometer was given to me by my daughter a few years ago, and I do not know how I lived without him. The mechanical device could not be measured because of inconvenience and lack of skills. I just put the device on my hand, press the button and see the result. I advise everyone!
Igor, 51 year : I have been having heart problems for 10 years, so a quality automatic tonometer is a very necessary thing for me. Thanks to him I can constantly be aware of my pressure to prevent complications and to consult a doctor in time. I'm using a device called AND.