Choosing tonometer For home use, you need to know which pressure measuring device is more suitable for you. It is important to decide whether the tonometer is automatic or semi-automatic - which is better. We will understand the feasibility of using a semiautomatic device and an automatic machine.
Types of blood pressure monitors
There are several types on sale that are divided into three main groups:
- Mechanical appliances where air is supplied using a pear.
- Semi-automatic principle of action with the need to pump up the pear.
- Automatic device.
Each device is good in its own way, but at the same time, they have their inherent disadvantages, which we will discuss below.
Advantages and disadvantages of semi-automatic blood pressure monitors
The advantages include:
- The cost of the device is much lower than that of the machine.
- Information does not take a lot of time.
- The devices have a function to save the latest measurement results.
There are certain disadvantages:
- A small error in the readings, when compared with a mechanical device.
- You need to work as a pear yourself, or another person should help in this.
Advantages and disadvantages of automatic blood pressure monitors
Today, many people prefer to use an automatic device, considering it a good tonometer, compared to old devices. Such a device really has several advantages, which include:
- There is no need to work as a pear or ask someone about it: air is supplied automatically. Almost all age categories of people can use the device.
- The device can be used by attaching to the shoulder, putting it on the wrist or fixing on the finger.
Mounting the device on the shoulder is the most appropriate use case. Especially for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
- Automatic machine - small size. You can use it at home and take it with you on a trip.
- The compact device has a large screen on which all readings are clearly visible.
- The measured pressure results are very accurate.
- You can work without taking off your clothes.
Finger batteries are used as power in the machine. The disadvantages of this type of device include:
- Higher error of indications in comparison with mechanical and semi-automatic devices.
- The high cost of the device.
- Regular change of batteries, which is not very convenient.
Any of the described devices can measure blood pressure at home.
Choose the right one
An important aspect of choosing a device of one or another operating principle is the frequency of use of the device. It is also important for people of what age the tonometer is intended.
Can everyone, without the help of others, work as a pear, pumping air into the cuffs. Naturally, many are worried about the question of how much money will be spent on the purchase from the family budget.
Terms of use
Whatever tonometer you choose - one that independently pumps air, or a device of a different principle of action, it is necessary to adhere to some simple rules when measuring:
- smokers are not recommended to smoke half an hour before the pressure measurement procedure. Experts also advise against drinking strong drinks, tea, and coffee 30 minutes before the procedure;
- pressure measurement and the results will be unreliable if you are tired, and / or immediately before the measurement procedure did physical work.It takes some time to stabilize the body;
- Do not measure blood pressure immediately after eating. The most accurate testimony will be if the process is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of doctors: measure pressure while sitting in a calm, balanced state;
- doctors say the feasibility of conducting three tests with an interval of ten minutes. In this case, the average value of the measurements is obtained;
- the readings of the measured blood pressure on the left and right hand are slightly different. It is more convenient for the left-handed person to fix the cuffs on the right hand, and the right-hand person, on the contrary, on the left;
- if you work with a shoulder tonometer, the hand should be on the table, and the middle of the cuff should be at the level of the heart. If you do not adhere to this arrangement, then the readings will be inaccurate;
- Do not tighten the cuffs too much. At the same time, he should not hang out on his hand. You can not talk during the procedure, this may affect the result;
- sitting on a chair, you need to relax and align your back. If the back is in a bent position, then the large blood vessels of the abdomen are pinched. Increased abdominal pressure, affecting the end result;
- legs must be placed at an angle of 90 degrees, it is impossible to cross - because of this, large blood arteries are squeezed, therefore, pressure indicators will be overestimated.
Compliance with these simple recommendations will give a positive result - accurate blood pressure readings.
Finally
The buyer must independently answer the question of which tonometer is better for him - an automatic machine or, possibly, a semi-automatic device, which device is most convenient for all family members to use.
The doctor told me that when you work as a pear yourself, then physical. the load (even such a small one) gives significant measurement errors. Therefore, of course, it is better to use automatic machines, I have AND, there are no complaints about the accuracy, it measures quickly.