How to choose a blood pressure monitor for home use

If you feel unwell, one of the easiest ways to monitor your health at home is to measure your blood pressure. In people whose blood pressure is unstable, the measuring device must be present in the house without fail, but do not think that this does not apply to others. Pressure surges occur even in a person whose health has no problems, and if appropriate measures are not taken promptly, serious complications can occur.

Who needs a tonometer?

For those who wish to independently monitor the values ​​of blood pressure, the blood pressure monitor is an indispensable device. A device designed for home use allows you to:

1. Warn unexpected fluctuations in values, for example, from excitement before taking a doctor.
2. Observe the effectiveness of drug therapy with the use of medications prescribed by a doctor for blood pressure problems.
3. Control the values ​​of athletes, as well as people who are closely monitoring their own health.

What is a mechanical tonometer and how to use it?

This type of pressure measuring instrument consists of a cuff, a pressure gauge and a heating pump.

The use of a mechanical device requires some skill. It is preferable that this type of device is used by a health professional. But if you know some of the rules, then exploit it is not so difficult. Measure the pressure with a mechanical tonometer at home, everyone can both himself and his loved one.

Using the device involves the following steps:

1. Fixing the cuff in the area between the shoulder and elbow.
2. Filling the cuff with air using a pump.
3. Perezhim the artery-filled cuff, because of which the blood flow in the latter for some time stops.
4. Installing the head endoscope in place of the artery, located as close as possible to the surface of the skin.
5. The gradual release of air, resulting in the opening of the artery and the resumption of blood flow.
6. At this time, with the help of a phonendoscope, characteristic pulse beats are heard. The figure on the pressure gauge, corresponding to the first impact, is the value of the upper pressure, the last blow - the lower one.

In order to correctly recognize the beats of the pulse with a phonendoscope, you need to have a good ear. In addition, it is necessary that there were no extraneous noises. And in order to record the data obtained during the measurement in time, the person conducting the procedure must have excellent eyesight and quick response.

Measuring blood pressure, it is necessary to follow some recommendations so that the result is as reliable as possible: in order for a person to remain in a calm state, you should refrain from conversations and movements during the procedure.

Electronic tonometer

This type of measuring devices is much more convenient to use, they can be automatic or semi-automatic.When using the latter option, it is necessary to apply a certain effort required to inflate the air in the cuff. If the device is fully automatic, you only need to press a button, and the resulting figures will be reflected on the screen. Automatic devices are designed to measure blood pressure in the forearm or wrist.

An electronic instrument for measuring pressure is an excellent option when there is no one to help. Thanks to him, you can take a pressure measurement yourself.

Some are of the opinion that mechanical devices are more reliable, but it should be remembered that automation is more practical, especially for older people.

What should pay attention, getting a tonometer

The range of instruments for measuring pressure is quite wide. To avoid a mistake when buying, you must consider the following points:

1. Accuracy. The most important parameter that the tonometer should possess is the provision of accurate data. Since unreliable values ​​can cause extremely undesirable consequences.The measurement error may be no more than three mm Hg, if we are talking about pressure, and no more than five pulsating beats. To ensure the accuracy of the device, you must ask for the certificate when purchasing and in the future annually take it for inspection.
2. The speed of receiving data. This moment is especially important when a person is in a condition in which it may be necessary to take urgent medications. In this situation, mechanical devices are much inferior to automation. With the help of the last digit you can get after a few seconds.
3. The weight of the device. People who suffer from high blood pressure should always have a device to measure this indicator on hand. For this reason, light weight and ease of transportation are very important parameters.
4. The cost of the device. Here everyone already determines their financial capabilities. Mechanical tonometers are cheaper than the electronic version.
5. The possibility of charging the device from the network. The battery-powered tonometer is able to fail at the most inconvenient moment.
6. Convenience in operation. This parameter is especially important for people who do not have experience in self-measurement of pressure. As long as a person inflates the cuff with air, he himself has an increase in pressure. When using automatic blood pressure monitors, you only need to correctly fix the cuff, then press the button.
7. Convenience cuff. A tonometer can be used comfortably only if during the procedure there are no unpleasant and painful sensations.
8. Large display with clearly visible numbers. This is especially true for the elderly, as well as people with poor eyesight.
9. Memory. If a person suffers from chronic diseases, then it will be possible to record the data that was obtained earlier.

There are also models of measuring devices equipped with additional functions:

1. The ability to register the date and time of measurement.
2. Interpretation of results as a graph. The device selects previously measured values ​​and displays them as a curve on the graph. This feature allows you to visually assess the indicators.
3. The presence of the function MAM.This means that the device can determine averages. This contributes to the effectiveness of measurements in the diagnosis of hypertension.
4. The presence of a function to determine heart arrhythmia.
5. Diagnosis on a scale of WHO. This function allows you to compare the measured values ​​with this scale, and if they deviate from the normal level, the device sends a signal that it is time to visit the doctor.
6. Intellisense function. Modern technology allows the device to work as a real doctor. It feels the pulse, provides protection against excessive accumulation of air in the cuff, thereby eliminating pain when squeezing. Pressure measurement is carried out at the stage of air injection, this contributes to faster results.
7. Alert timer. Due to the presence of this function, a person will be able to receive reminders that it is necessary to measure pressure and drink medicine.

Popular firms and models

Below are the most famous brands and models of appliances for home use.

1. Omron Manufacturer from Japan, which creates high-quality electronic devices.The production of pressure measuring devices is not the only direction of the company, however, a lot of time and effort has been devoted to it, as well as scientific research. The most popular model is the OMRON M6. This device has high accuracy and is equipped with a function with which it is possible to detect arrhythmia. The price of such measuring devices, as a rule, is higher than that of models from other manufacturers with similar parameters.
2. Microlife. The Swiss company that creates medical equipment, as well as devices for home use. It differs from the Microlife company discussed above in that the creation of pressure measuring instruments is the main direction of the manufacturer. The most popular device of this brand is the model Microlife BP 3AC1-1. This device has a high quality, it is convenient to use at home. Due to modern technologies, it has become possible to determine the required indicators with maximum reliability. This device is practical, durable, and its price is lower than that of its competitor from Japan.
3. A & D Medical. This companyIts headquarters in the USA has also become quite popular, thanks to the production of home pressure measuring machines. The brand has received a large number of awards for developing and creating medical electronic devices for independent use. In addition to tonometers, the range of products presented by this company includes scales, stethoscopes, electronic thermometers and other medical devices for use at home or in medical institutions.

Where to buy a quality tonometer?

At the pharmacy stalls there is a not very wide range of measuring devices, but here you can see them live.

In online stores there is always a large selection of tonometers of various types, functionality and price category. However, the study of their work will have to be carried out after purchase. But a significant advantage of purchasing a tonometer in the online store is the price of the device, which is usually much lower here.than analogues in the pharmacy.

Some use the device according to the testimony of the doctor, others for self-diagnosis. Anyway, it is necessary to take into account every nuance in order not to be mistaken in the choice of a tonometer.

Video: how to choose a tonometer