How to choose a tonometer

There are many different techniques and equipment that help you monitor your health in a medical institution or at home. Separately, it is worth highlighting tonometers - devices for home use, which are easy to use, even without medical education. With the help of the device, you can quickly and without pain take measurements of blood pressure, pulse, in order to take timely measures to normalize the indicator. Since there is a large number of such equipment today, you should know how to choose a tonometer. The technique itself is complex, but knowing some of the subtleties and types, it will be possible to buy the right product with high accuracy of measurement data.

The principle of operation and the device of the tonometer

Tonometers are devices that help measure a person's blood pressure. The design includes:

• Pressure gauge for displaying data on the screen.
• A cuff that is worn over the body for measurements. It can be fixed on your finger, wrist or shoulder.
• Air blower with pressure relief valve.

All blood pressure monitors are sold in different variations, due to this, measurements can be carried out by 2 methods:

• Korotkoff method - used for mechanical devices when the pulse is monitored with a stethoscope.
• Oscillometric method - used for automatic devices, the design includes a built-in sensor that allows you to evaluate the vibrations in the cuff and transfer all the results to the display.

A cuff is a special sleeve with a pneumatic chamber inside. Due to this design, air is supplied automatically or mechanically, after which the element begins to increase in size. The action causes compression of the arteries, as well as blocking the flow of blood.

If you use a stethoscope for measurements, then no sounds will be heard at this time, since the blood stops moving. After reaching a certain level, air is vented using the valve. During the resumption of blood circulation through the transferred artery, pronounced knocks are noticeable, which can be heard through a stethoscope. This allows you to fix the upper pressure value, and after the knocks disappear, the lower one is fixed.

The accuracy of measurements with a mechanical device will depend on the rate of air release. If the pressure is released very quickly, the results will be false. Automatic devices are designed differently, so they minimize human impact and improve accuracy. It is easier and more convenient to work with these devices, you do not need skills.

However, even automatic devices can distort real indicators. Their results are influenced by diseases of the cardiovascular system, including arrhythmia, atherosclerosis and others, as well as accidental hand movements during measurements.

The best manufacturers of blood pressure monitors

Before choosing a good tonometer, you should pay attention to the manufacturer of the device.It is recommended to give preference to proven brands, to exclude purchases from dubious manufacturers. In this case, the product may be of poor quality and give poor results. Leading world experts advise to opt for the following companies:

• Omron;
• Microlife;
• Nissei.

These companies have certificates according to international protocols, and due to the work of experienced and qualified employees, the use of modern technologies, all products of these brands with the highest accuracy class.

Types of tonometers

To figure out how to choose a tonometer for home use, you need to decide on the type of equipment, as well as the classic features. Only after that you can determine all the advantages and disadvantages of each option, buy the best one for yourself.

At the moment, there are 2 groups of devices, which are divided according to the method of applying a cuff, as well as air injection. Each type is individual, there are some features, but first things first.

Finger blood pressure monitors

These tonometers are considered the most uninformative, since the accuracy class is rather low. This is caused by the measurement method, because the pressure on the wrist and in the finger is different, the pulse rates, as well as the size and elasticity of the vessels, differ. The main advantages can be considered ease of use, as well as minimal dimensions. Often, a similar technique is used in sports, when a person needs to often and almost instantly find out the pressure, pulse.

Pros:

• Minimal dimensions, convenient for travel and storage.
• Quick display of results of blood pressure and human pulse.
• There is no need to expose an arm or shoulder.

Minuses:

• Devices are considered the most unstable in terms of performance.
• High pricing policy, within 700-3500 rubles.

With shoulder cuff

This type of measurement is considered the most popular. It is the shoulder cuffs that are the first to appear in medicine and are in demand today. Unlike other types, such a device is automatic and mechanical. The technique is universal, because it can be used at home and in medical institutions.

Pros:

• The devices are suitable for almost any person.
• Accurate and stable measurements.

Minuses:

• High cost, ranging from 2-7.5 thousand rubles.
• For the accuracy and correctness of measurements, you need to manipulate the clothes or take them off, exposing your hand.

With wrist cuff

The technique is convenient to use, since a person does not need to take off his clothes, it is enough to roll up his sleeve a little. The dimensions are small, which is great for travel, trips to the country. It is recommended for people who prefer active work, physical activity, which is associated with the possibility of simultaneous measurement of pulse and pressure. However, you must remember that any movement during measurements, communication and other factors can show distorted data. The average pricing policy is in the range of 1800-6500 rubles.

Pros:

• Fast measurement capability.
• Small size.
• A good replacement for shoulder types of cuffs, especially if a person has a large arm in the bicep area and it is impossible to use classic models.

Minuses:

• Reading accuracy and stability are average.
• If there is an accidental hand movement, there is a possibility of distortion of the result.

All the devices described can only be automatic, and now you should study the types by the method of air injection.

Automatic

A similar technique can be fixed in any of the available places (finger, wrist, shoulder). Many devices are characterized by the presence of an indicator for reading the heart rate, and there is also an internal memory that helps to make the dynamics of indicators for assessing results.

Air injection is carried out without human intervention by turning on an electronic compressor. This makes it possible to exclude any human effort. The accuracy is high, but depends on the correctness of measurements, execution according to the instructions.If the cuff is worn incorrectly or there is movement, communication, then the result is incorrect.

Pros:

• Obtaining self-pressure readings is very simple and fast.
• The accuracy is high if you follow the technology.
• There is no need to use a stethoscope.
• All the necessary numbers are displayed on the screen, they are large, so the device is suitable for the elderly or people with poor eyesight.
• During measurements, human participation is required minimal.

Minuses:

• Experts advise against using the device in case of disorders of the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
• Overpriced.
• Runs on batteries or built-in battery, so you need to buy power supplies or carry out periodic charging.

Semi-automatic

Such devices are recommended for home use by one or more people. The pressure is measured using a cuff and manual air injection. The rest of the action is carried out automatically, which gives the required accuracy. The data is displayed on a small screen, in addition, the user can find out his own heart rate.

Pros:

• Low price of goods.
• High accuracy of the device.
• Can be used without experience in using tonometers.
• A good choice for someone with hearing or vision impairment.
• The optimal cost, which is in the range of 1.3-3.5 thousand rubles.

The main disadvantage is that the work is done with batteries.

Mechanical

Such blood pressure monitors are the simplest, but to measure the pressure, human participation is required. All this requires some experience in handling the device. The design assumes only a shoulder cuff, and inflation is carried out manually using a separate rubber bulb. A stethoscope is used to determine the pressure. All information in digital form is displayed on a pressure gauge with an arrow. These devices are often used in medical institutions.

Pros:

• Better reliability.
• All results are accurate and will not falsify, even with arm movement or arrhythmias.
• You do not need to use chargers, batteries and other batteries for operation.
• The cost is affordable, in the range of 700-3500 rubles.

Minuses:

• If a person has poor hearing, then a tonometer will not work.
• It is possible to get incorrect results due to little experience with this technique.
• Manual injection does not make it possible to use the device independently in case of a weakened organism.

Options for choosing tonometers

To choose the right tonometer for home use, it is important to consider several basic characteristics:

• Terms of use. If the device will be used at home, then automatic or semi-automatic types should be chosen, but mechanical types are suitable for hospitals, clinics and other medical organizations. They can also be used at home if experience is available.
• The type of tonometer is selected individually according to the convenience of using each individual model, frequency of use, conditions and age.
• Select the size of the cuff around the circumference of your hand or finger. Shoulder models can be in the range of 7-12 cm, they are used for babies or 40-66 cm, which are installed on the hip. For the wrist, cuffs of 13-20 cm are produced.
• The blower type can be manual or automatic. The main thing in this case is that the cylinder, the valves are made of durable raw materials that are not influenced by external factors. For example, models based on latex or thermoplastic rubber will outperform conventional rubber in terms of durability.
• For the operation of modern tonometers, in addition to the mechanical form, batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries are used. It is recommended to buy the second option in order not to constantly buy batteries, to eliminate additional costs.
• The helper functions are essential and useful for some users.For example, many variants of the modern type immediately give the heart rate, can show the day, time, and also save the last measurements in memory. In addition, you can find out the average values ​​for the period, use a timer that will indicate the time for the next measurement.

After a while, any devices need to be serviced, therefore, when choosing a tonometer, you should find out the possibility of purchasing additional parts for replacement, the warranty period and the conditions for servicing the device.

Automatic and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors

To understand how to choose an automatic tonometer, you should familiarize yourself in more detail with the features of such equipment. Many users are always interested in the accuracy of electronic devices. On average, the error of indicators will be only 3-5 mm Hg. Art., which is not a material violation and distortion.

Electronic models for home use are recommended for everyone who does not have the skill of working with the device, medical education. Choosing a semi-automatic or automatic tonometer, you need to personally determine for yourself:

• In the first case, there is a pear that must be pumped independently to pump air. This results in little physical activity, so certain blood pressure readings may be skewed.
• The second option does not require any conditions, which is very convenient not only for young, but also for older people, whose strength is not the same, and it can be difficult to work with a pear.

You need to buy such devices only from trusted representatives in order to get high quality, reliability and durability. The main drawback that can scare off many is the cost of an automatic blood pressure monitor. The warranty period for tested devices is 5-10 years, which indicates high quality, and the service life of such equipment is much longer than the warranty itself.

Tonometers on the wrist

Many people are interested in the accuracy and general features of models with a cuff attached to the wrist. Experts say that such equipment is no less accurate than shoulder equipment, is suitable for any age and can be a very useful thing in the house. In practice, the indicators do not differ if measured with a shoulder and wrist tonometer. Despite this, this type is recommended for use for a person under 40, which is due to a number of reasons:

• Over the years, the vessels of any person begin to wear out, especially in the wrist area, they become thinner, their elasticity is lost. Therefore, good, young vessels are required for accurate pressure measurements. The shoulder models cover the artery more in size, in addition, the degree of wear is less severe.
• Over the course of life, older people may experience a variety of joint injuries on the arm, including stretch marks, bruises, etc. All this leads to a ban on the use of wrist models.
• Even with time and the onset of old age, the joints are deformed, growths are formed, which causes an incorrect application of the cuff to the arm, and therefore reduces the accuracy of measurements.

Which tonometer to choose

Anyone who has not yet decided on the choice can use expert advice on choosing. They will help you quickly select a product for measuring pressure:

• Mechanical models are considered the most affordable, they are always available at points of sale. It is recommended to focus on such a purchase for people who plan to take pressure measurements without outside help, but in this case it is preferable to choose models with a built-in stethoscope head, as well as a combined air blower and a pressure gauge. If you have experience and understanding of the measurement features, then it is allowed to purchase a completely mechanical model with separate parts.
• In order to minimize pressure measurement efforts, it is recommended to buy automatic devices. In addition, the user will be able to see the results for half a minute.
• If you don't have the skill to measure, but buying an automatic model is expensive, and accuracy is important, then semi-automatic models are an excellent alternative. They give clear indicators in a short time and the whole process is very simple.
• An elderly person whose blood vessels are no longer as elastic in the wrist area should use models where the cuff is placed directly on the shoulder.
• For an active person who is constantly on the move, playing sports, it is recommended to use compact sizes that are worn on a finger or with a classic-type cuff. The devices are small and can be taken on a trip. In addition, manufacturers often supplement the technique with certain functions, including saving the latest data, measuring heart rate, and so on.

Pressure measurement rules

Having determined for yourself and your own needs a tonometer, which is better, you should also understand the principle of measuring indicators. The accuracy of the state of health depends on this. With a perfect picture, everything should be as follows:

• Measurements with a tonometer should be carried out 1-1.5 hours after a meal.
• For an hour before the start of measurements, you need to stop drinking coffee and tea. These drinks contain caffeine, which causes blood pressure to rise and can skew the results.
• It is imperative to exclude smoking 1 hour before the start of measurements, since resins and other harmful substances cause vasoconstriction, as a result, the pressure rises.
• 5 minutes before the start, you should lie down and relax, you can just sit down and breathe evenly.
• After physical exertion, emotional instability, it is important to calm down for about 30 minutes, only then start measuring.
• It is better to use the tonometer after using the toilet, as an overflowing bladder or bowel can significantly increase the readings, distorting the real picture.
• During the basic process using the shoulder model, the arm should be on the table and the middle part of the cuff is positioned at heart level. Wrist devices require the hand to be held in the region of the heart, while the other needs to be supported to relieve stress. Displacement of the cuff from the level of the heart by 5 cm in either direction increases or decreases the results. An overestimated indicator will be when the hand is lowered and vice versa.
• The cuff does not need to be worn very tight, but it should not sit easily on your arm and dangle.
• When measuring, exclude conversations, as this will distort accuracy. You need to sit on a chair with a back, lean on it and relax. Do not cross your legs, because large arteries begin to squeeze, causing an increase in performance.
• For shoulder devices, the cuff should be positioned 2 cm above the elbow bend, thereby avoiding compression of the artery. Measurement can be taken through a shirt or lightweight fabric. For wrist models, you will have to completely free your hand, remove the watch.

When buying a tonometer in pharmacies, it is recommended to check the device on your body. It is caused by certain diseases and the cardiovascular system. In this case, the device may display an error, which will indicate an unsuitable model and the need to replace it. In addition, the size of the cuff can be determined immediately.