Today in the pharmacy you can buy more than 30 different models of electronic tonometers . Some of them are fully automatic, while others require mechanical air injection. In addition, there are options for devices with a cuff on the shoulder and wrist. Despite the seeming simplicity of the procedure, it is important to find out in advance how to correctly measure pressure with an automatic tonometer. If some of the nuances are not observed, the results may be incorrect or with a large margin of error.
On which hand to measure pressure by an automatic tonometer?
According to medical recommendations, it is right to measure on the right hand.
In this case, the maximum pressure is recorded. This is due to the anatomical structure of the heart and the uneven distribution of blood pressure in the vessels that feed the right and left arm. And the difference between measurements on different hands is about 20-30 mm Hg. Art. If the procedure is performed only on the left arm, it is easy not to notice the development of hypertension .
How to measure pressure by an automatic tonometer?
There are 3 main types of described equipment:
- a tonometer with a shoulder cuff;
- a tonometer with a wrist cuff;
- a tonometer with a stationary cuff.
Let's consider the basic recommendations for the performance of measurements by all types of apparatus:
- Remove tight and dense clothes, roll up the sleeve on your right hand or change into a T-shirt.
- It is convenient to sit on a chair in front of the desk, it should be quite high.
- Straighten your back, relax, place your hand on a horizontal surface so that it has a support from the wrist to the elbow.
How to measure blood pressure by different automatic blood pressure monitors:
- With a shoulder cuff. Place the electronic recorder in the zone of visibility and free access to it by a free hand. To put on the cuff on the right hand, the tissue should be tight, but not tight, to adhere to the skin. The center of the cuff should coincide with the level of the heart. Press the "Start" or "Start" button. Wait until the final measurement results appear on the display. During the procedure, do not move or talk.
- With a wrist cuff. Wrap the cuff around the wrist, the electronic unit should be located on the inside of the hand so that the display is clearly visible. Raise the right arm, bending it at the elbow, until the blood pressure monitor is at the heart level. You can put a towel or device case under your wrist. Press the start button. Do not talk or move until the measurement results appear on the display.
- With a stationary cuff. Insert your hand into the special compartment. The shape of the device ensures the correct position of the hand. Press the start button on the recorder, similar to the previous recommendations to sit quietly. Get the result by the sound signal.
It is worth noting that tonometers with a shoulder cuff are also semi-automatic. In this case, immediately after pressing the start button, it is necessary to pump the cuff by means of a mechanical pear to a value of 220 mm Hg. Art. Then the device itself will continue to work.