Tonometer re-pumps air - what is the reason?

Automatic blood pressure monitors are in demand for frequent measurement of blood pressure in the elderly. But often the devices malfunction.

The most common user question: why does the tonometer pump air a second time. This situation often arises for no apparent reason. Consider the features of the automatic device and understand the problem.

About the principle of the automatic blood pressure monitor

The automatic tonometer is based on the oscillometric method, which allows you to quickly and accurately measure pressure indicators. The method was introduced back in 1876 and consists in determining fluctuations in the cuff of the device. Fluctuations occur due to the passage of blood through the compressed area. It is formed as a result of pumping air into the cuff with its correct location.

Automatic blood pressure monitor

The advantage of the oscillometric method is the possibility of reducing the influence of external factors. The result is a much more accurate measurement.

The automatic tonometer is based on the same principle as in other types of devices. With the only difference in the distribution of vibrations is a specially designed automatic system. The compressed section determines the blood flow with its main indicators, which are converted into numerical values ​​on the tonometer display.

The principle of operation of the device

The automatic blood pressure monitor is convenient in that you do not have to inflate the cuffs for measurement. But due to simplicity, frequent breakdowns of the device occur, one of which is re-inflating, which occurs after blowing off and the conversion of blood flow to numerical values ​​begins.

Why does the tonometer, after partial blowing, pump air a second time?

Often, the device begins to re-enter air after partial descent due to improper use of the device. The reason may be as follows:

• the arm on which the cuff is worn is on weight;
• the cuff is incorrectly positioned in relation to the ulnar fossa - too high or low;
• the bracelet was not positioned correctly - the hose that should be on the inner surface of the shoulder is knocked down from the mark;
• too weak fit of the cuff to the skin;
• the person to whom blood pressure was measured sharply moved his hand.

In all cases, the cause of the redial is determined by a weak palpation of the blood flow in the veins. As a result, the automatic device takes the situation for its own error and begins to correct it, pumping air a second time.

Dangerous is the reason for re-pumping air, which consists in increased pressure. The principle of operation of the automatic system of the device is that first the device pumps air in accordance with the standards of indicators. As a rule, for a person it is 120/80 mm Hg. For accurate measurement, the system pumps the sleeve to a maximum of 170-180 mm Hg for the upper indicator. If a person has high blood pressure, the device must pump air again to make an accurate measurement.

How to fix the malfunction?

A wrist-type blood pressure monitor often pumps air a second time

The automatic blood pressure monitor is sensitive to any fluctuations, so you should be especially careful when measuring pressure. All conditions and recommendations specified in the instructions should be followed by those who measure themselves. In this case, the following rules must be observed:

Instructions for Correct Measurement

• sit comfortably on a chair, leaning on the back;
• hold your hand so that the cuff is at heart level;
• you can not support the cuff with a second hand;
• you can not strain your wrist or hand;
• the wrist should be on one straight line with the hand;
• you can not pinch your hand in a fist;
• it is not recommended to move at the time of measuring pressure and even talk;
• place your hand with the cuff over your stomach, you can put it on the table in front of you;
• the cuff should be 3-4 cm higher from the elbow socket of the joint;
• the hose should be in the middle of the elbow hole;
• the cuff is neatly tightened on the arm, with partial compression.

Correct location

Any extraneous movements can distort the performance, as a result of which pumping often occurs a second time. If the blood pressure measurement is taken with a bracelet-type device, then the rules and recommendations specified in the instructions must be observed.

Re-pumping air with a tonometer is not a serious malfunction in the device, but may indicate significant health problems. To achieve the correct result, it is recommended to measure the pressure several times and take the average value.