The use of an electronic blood pressure monitor has now become universally accepted. But in some cases, the question arises of how to use a mechanical tonometer. It turns out that the use of a mechanical apparatus is indicated for people with vascular atherosclerosis and the elderly. In all cases where the blood vessels are insensitive to electronic devices, a mechanical device should be used.
How a mechanical blood pressure monitor works
In order to understand how to properly use a mechanical tonometer, you need to know how it works and what we measure with this device. Any mechanical blood pressure monitor should consist of two parts:
- actual mechanical blood pressure monitor;
- phonendoscope.
It must be said right away that this device was created in order to measure the pressure of two people: a doctor and a patient. It was invented by the Russian surgeon N. S. Korotkov in 1905, today it is an internationally recognized technique used everywhere.
It is based on the principle of sound (auscultative) observation of the work of internal organs. We can measure the blood pressure in arteries (not veins) by external observation (at the radial artery). When measuring pressure, first the upper diastolic pressure is measured (when the tone is highest) and then the lower (full signal attenuation) - systolic. This allows for a very clear picture that is little affected by arm movement or the presence of an arrhythmia in the patient.
Among the disadvantages of this method will be purely human factors:
- measurement experience required;
- good hearing and vision;
- lack of "auscultative gap" phenomena of "infinite tone" in the patient;
- need for constant verification of sphygmomanometer calibration.
You can measure blood pressure with this simple device yourself. It is only necessary to follow a number of simple rules and follow the instructions. You should learn very well how to use a mechanical blood pressure monitor, and you will be able to measure blood pressure yourself without any problems, accurately and very quickly.
So, a mechanical tonometer consists of a cuff that needs to be put on the forearm, a pear for pumping air and a pressure gauge (look at the indicators). All parts are interconnected by special tubes through which air moves. A stethoscope is included separately.
When inflating the cuff, we will hear the highest tone, and then a measured tapping, which will subside. The highest value heard will be the systolic indicator, and what we hear the weakest (during attenuation) will be the diastolic.
Now let's take a step-by-step look at how to use a mechanical blood pressure monitor.
How to install the cuff
First you need to sit down so that the elbow, forearm and hand, on which the measurement will be taken, is freely located on some surface. For example, on the top of the table. This is very important to do before using a mechanical tonometer on your own. Now fasten the cuff above the elbow. We put it on not tight (not squeezing the hand), but not weak.
There is a special metal latch on the cuff, behind which there is a Velcro fastener. It will not be possible to install the cuff so that it is parallel to the latch. It always fastens a little obliquely. It's not scary.
It is very important that the cuff itself is located at the level of the patient's heart, this is 2-3 cm above the elbow. If the cuff is lower or higher, the result will be distorted.
How to properly install a stethoscope
In order to take a measurement, you need to install a stethoscope on the radial artery, on the bend of the elbow under the cuff.
You can inflate the cuff only after you have installed the stethoscope in the indicated place.
For ease of measurement, place the pressure gauge so that the arrow and numbers on it are clearly visible. This will make the measurement much easier. Additional pillow or stand may be required.
How to properly inflate air
How to use a mechanical tonometer, the instructions for the device will also tell you. Look at her, she will be a good helper. After the cuff is fixed, you need to pump air into it using a special pear (in the instructions it is called an air blower).
First, screw the latch on the pear (air release valve) to the stop, and then pump air into the cuff with the other hand (not the one on which the measurement is taken). At the same time, the arrow on the pressure gauge should show a pressure higher than your usual one by about 40 units. For example, if the pressure is usually 120/80, then you need the needle to reach 160 mmHg. Then slowly release (unscrew) the air valve.
How to determine your own pressure
In order to understand alone how to use a mechanical tonometer, you should remember that when measuring your own pressure, you need to simultaneously release air, follow the pressure gauge needle and listen to the tones. This requires a certain skill and may not work the first time. However, short training sessions will help to carry out the procedure quickly and get the result of high accuracy.
So, at first the arrow will move slowly, but there will be no sound. Thena strong tone will appear, the strongest sound will indicate systolic pressure.
Gradually (the speed depends on the speed of air deflation), the rhythmic tones will fade, and the indicator of the arrow on the minimum distinguishable sound is the diastolic pressure. For example, if the sound appeared at 145 mm. mercury column, and disappeared at 80, then, accordingly, the pressure readings will be 145/80.
You can take no more than 2 measurements in a row. If you are not sure of the accuracy of the result, take a half-hour break and repeat.
Don't take your blood pressure after climbing stairs or getting too excited. And even more so to diagnose yourself.
About reviews
User reviews suggest that measuring blood pressure with a mechanical tonometer is more accurate. Their error is no more than 7 mm Hg. with. This is a fairly high figure (electronic analogues can have an error of up to 40 mmHg)
Many people note that it is not difficult to get measurement skills when taking frequent measurements. Another useful feature of the described device, users call ease of operation, which does not require skills in working with complex mechanisms (as when measuring with electronic devices).
Many reviews also note the personal attitude of the patient - the absence of fear and excitement before the measurement will serve well.
In general, according to user descriptions, it is the mechanical tonometer that is more simple and reliable. How to measure blood pressure, reviewsexplain in detail, and call the device quite convenient to use.
