After forty years, doctors recommend regularly monitoring your blood pressure. This applies even to those who have never had he alth problems at all. Regular pressure surges require daily monitoring of indicators, which will help prevent the occurrence of some complex cardiovascular diseases in time. A properly selected blood pressure monitor will make it easier to control your blood pressure.
What is a blood pressure monitor and what is it like?
Tonometer is a device that is designed to measure the level of blood pressure. That is, the indicators of the tonometer give information about the compliance of the measured indicators with the standards established for the human body. Increased or decreased values in comparison with the norm may indicate the development of diseases. Usually deviations from the norm are accompanied by such symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea. Controlling your blood pressure will helpavoid feeling bad.
The modern market of medical devices provides the buyer with a wide selection of blood pressure monitors. They differ not only in their functionality, but also in size, price and quality of materials used.
Several types of blood pressure monitors are distinguished by design: mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic. Each type has its positive and negative sides. Automatic blood pressure monitors are considered the most accurate and reliable. Which type of tonometer is better to choose should be determined based on the characteristics of each model and their capabilities. The cost of the device for some is the determining parameter when choosing it, since not everyone can afford to purchase an expensive branded model.
Briefly about mechanical and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors
Mechanical blood pressure monitors can rightly be called accurate and reliable devices. They consist of a cuff, a phonendoscope, an inflating bulb and a dial. With the proper quality of the materials used in the manufacture of mechanical blood pressure monitors, these devices can last a very long time. The most unreliable elements of this type are rubber tubes from the pear to the cuff. Over time, they crack and burst. But the cost of replacing them is much lower than purchasing the device itself.
The availability of mechanical blood pressure monitors makes them very popular among buyers. Significant disadvantages include a long timemeasurements and complexity of use. To use such a device, you need to have good hearing, which is a rarity among the elderly. Also, this model is not suitable for independent measurements.
Semi-automatic blood pressure monitors are electronic devices and differ from mechanical ones in that the measurement is carried out automatically, and the inflation of air into the cuff must be done manually. For older people, this option is more preferable, as it does not require good hearing. This option is more convenient to use, but its price will be slightly higher than the mechanical ones.
Features of automatic blood pressure monitors
The main difference between automatic blood pressure monitors and other types of device is the presence of a compressor, which serves as an air inflator into the cuff. This makes the measurement process easier and faster. A significant disadvantage of these models is their cost. Not everyone can afford the purchase of an expensive device. But sometimes it's better to buy a quality device once that will last a long time.
The best automatic blood pressure monitors have everything you need to make life easier for a person. Ease of use is the main advantage of electronic automatic devices. For people leading an active lifestyle, often traveling, such models are the most suitable. They are more compact than other types of blood pressure monitors and are easier to take with you.
The presence of an automatic blood pressure monitor allows a person to lead a normal lifeand at the same time take care of your he alth. For some, it is vital to always have a reliable device capable of measuring blood pressure with you. Also, the advantages of automatic models include the speed of measurement, because sometimes, especially at work, it is so difficult to allocate time for yourself.
Components of an automatic blood pressure monitor
When choosing a tonometer, you should pay attention to all the components of the device. Not only the measurement accuracy, but also the service life of the product depends on their quality. If some components of the device are purchased separately, then it should be remembered that all components must be of the same company. This will avoid a large error in the results.
When choosing a blood pressure monitor, first of all, you need to pay attention to the size of the cuff and the material from which it is made. The stronger the material, the longer the cuff will last. Cuffs are sized for children, medium and large. If the size of the cuff does not match the volume of the arm during pressure measurement, inaccurate readings occur, and even pain (the cuff is smaller than necessary). Models with a universal cuff have a large reading error. Velcro on the cuff must be of high quality and fastened well, otherwise it may unfasten in the process. For self-measurement, models are provided with a locking ring, which allows you to quickly and correctly put on the cuff.
Automatic models are equipped with a compressor as a cuff blower. Unlike a rubber bulb, which is equipped with mechanical andsemi-automatic options, the compressor inflates the cuff much faster, thereby reducing the time spent on the measurement. The amount of air inflated into the cuff is determined using the Fuzzy algorithm. The cuff has an air release valve for quick air release.
The indicators taken by the device are displayed on the electronic display. Many modern models have artificial intelligence, which significantly reduces the error of an automatic tonometer. With its help, the device will be able to calculate and display average pressure indicators and take into account some individual characteristics of the body.
What are automatic blood pressure monitors? Which is better?
Automatic blood pressure monitors are distinguished by the place of pressure measurement. An automatic tonometer on the shoulder is designed to measure pressure above the elbow. This is the most popular type.
Such devices are also distinguished by the size of the cuff. Properly selected cuff volume affects the accuracy of the results obtained. For an average arm, a tonometer with a cuff with a volume of 22 cm to 32 cm is suitable. Blood pressure monitors with an enlarged cuff allow you to adjust its volume up to 42 cm. A cuff with a volume of up to 22 cm is suitable for measuring pressure in children or people of medium build. Typically, the device is equipped with a medium-length cuff, but in order to use one blood pressure monitor for the whole family, you can purchase a small and large cuff separately.
If the volume of a person's arm does not allow him to apply a shoulder cuff, then use blood pressure monitors on the wrist. They areare compact in size and are ideal for measuring blood pressure in athletes. The lightness of the device and ease of use allows you to take it with you on the road or for sports training. In addition to measuring blood pressure, wrist blood pressure monitors also provide information about the pulse rate.
Sometimes during the measurement of pressure, a person may feel discomfort and even pain when squeezed by the cuff. Blood pressure monitors on the wrist minimize all discomfort during the measurement process. The digital display of such a tonometer is fixed on the cuff, which allows you to use the device and monitor performance during training. It can also be used in medical centers for the convenience of performing some stress tests.
Some manufacturers offer devices that allow you to measure pressure on the finger, but they are not recommended by experts, as they have low accuracy. The best automatic blood pressure monitors, reviews of which can be found on specialized forums, have a minimum error. The most accurate are blood pressure monitors with a cuff on the shoulder.
Additional functions of electronic automatic blood pressure monitors
Modern medical devices, such as Omron automatic blood pressure monitors, have a number of additional functions. They significantly expand the capabilities of the device and the scope of its use. Many well-known manufacturers of medical equipment are trying to take into account all human needs when developing new models of blood pressure monitors.
Devices witharrhythmia indicator are able to capture and display indicators of irregular heartbeat. Several well-known medical device companies produce devices that have different arrhythmia detection technologies. Devices with the ability to diagnose in accordance with the WHO scale allow you to independently assess the degree of hypertension. The criterion will be useful for people diagnosed with hypertension, as it allows you to monitor the development of the disease. The indicators of the device cannot serve as a basis for a diagnosis, but, of course, are the reason for contacting a specialist.
Automatic blood pressure monitor with an adapter allows you to connect the device to a 220 V network. Tonometers that can be powered from the mains are perfect for home use, as they do not require frequent change of batteries (batteries). But, it is worth inserting the batteries, and the device becomes mobile and you can take it with you on the road.
Devices with memory can save up to 200 measurements. The function is indispensable in the case of using a tonometer for daily monitoring of changes in readings. The ability to connect the tonometer to a computer allows you to print the results for yourself or your doctor.
Measurement accuracy of automatic blood pressure monitors
All devices have an error in the readings, which is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. A small error present in the measurements is considered normal, and it is not an indication of the poor quality of the device. Usually it does not greatly affect the measurement results, and from them one can judge abouthigh or low pressure.
But sometimes automatic devices have large discrepancies in readings with mechanical or semi-automatic tonometers. Most often this is caused by non-compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations for using the tonometer. Each certified device is accompanied by an instruction that describes in detail the measurement procedure, as well as the position of the cuff on the forearm. It is noted that if the hand position is incorrect during the measurement, the device also gives inaccurate results. When self-measuring blood pressure, you need to remember that the arm on which the cuff is applied must be located at the level of the heart.
How to choose automatic blood pressure monitors? Which is better? Reviews
First of all, those purposes for which the device is purchased are taken into account. If the purchase of a blood pressure monitor is related to monitoring your he alth, then models with basic functions will do.
A person with any cardiovascular disease should pay attention to the additional functions that automatic blood pressure monitors are equipped with. Which tonometer is best for a particular person must be determined based on many factors. For example, a person's lifestyle may sway their choice towards models with an adapter for home use or blood pressure monitors on the wrist for active people.
It is also worth paying attention to the manufacturer. Give preference to well-known brands. A cheap device of a little-known company can disappoint during operation. A device with a large number of additional functions has a corresponding rather high price. Therefore, the low price of the device, combined with its great functionality, should alert the buyer.
Where is the best place to buy blood pressure monitors?
Imported blood pressure monitors must be certified in the country where they are sold. The certificate confirms the compliance of the device with the quality requirements and the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.
Where to buy automatic blood pressure monitors, which one is better, reviews of devices of different models and brands can be found out from specialists. Customer reviews about the operation of certain models of tonometers can help you make a choice in the direction of the most suitable device. It is worth noting that it is worth buying a tonometer only in pharmacies or medical equipment stores.
Manufacturers of automatic blood pressure monitors
In the domestic market there is a huge selection of manufacturers who have the appropriate quality certificates for their products. One of the most popular is the Microlife automatic blood pressure monitor. This manufacturer provides a wide range of models. The Swiss brand Microlife is constantly developing and introducing new technologies. The new AFIB technology, which is already present in the new models of blood pressure monitors of this brand, allows you to determine atrial fibrillation and thereby prevent stroke.
How to choose automatic blood pressure monitors? Which is better? Omron is a Japanese electronics company. Firmknown for its research and development base and has a large number of patented products. Automatic tonometers "Omron" are considered one of the most expensive. The company has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality electronic equipment, including blood pressure monitors of various models. Not everyone can afford an Omron automatic blood pressure monitor, but if there are financial opportunities, it is definitely worth buying a device of this particular brand.
Home blood pressure monitors from the American brand AND are popular all over the world. The company specializes in various medical equipment and constantly develops and improves the manufactured devices, including automatic blood pressure monitors. Which is better - "Omron" or "Andes"? When choosing a manufacturer, you should be guided by the characteristics of the models and your financial capabilities. If you compare two models of different brands, you can find out that with the same capabilities, Omron brand devices are significantly superior in price.
