A tonometer is needed to measure and control blood pressure. It is easy to use at home, as the device is equipped with a clear control system. The device will help diagnose hypertension and hypotension, track the rhythm of the heart, and also show if there are signs of arrhythmia. Modern devices are able to memorize previous indicators, which is convenient for keeping records and dynamics.
Briefly about tonometers: types and characteristics
According to the mechanism of use, tonometers are distinguished:
- mechanical;
- semi-automatic;
- automatic.
Mechanical devices are the most common and inexpensive type of device. To pump air, a special rubber bulb is used: it must be pressed until the sound of a heartbeat is heard. Such tonometers are equipped with a cuff, phonendoscope and manometer. This type of apparatus is considered accurate if the meter has good hearing and vision.
Semi-automatic devices are equipped with a memory unit. They are equipped with a rubber bulb, a cuff and a device with a display. The tonometer screen displays pressure and heart rate indicators. You can use the device yourself without any help. The tonometer is powered by finger batteries.
Automatic devices are convenient for older people. They do not require outside help and independently pump air. The device is equipped with an apparatus with several buttons - one is responsible for pumping air, the second - shows previous measurements. Automatic blood pressure monitors are the most accurate, they can be used by people with disabilities. Power is supplied by AAA batteries.
A few more parameters that determine the characteristics and conditions for choosing the device:
- Type of cuff. Manufacturers equip devices with three different types of cuffs: on the wrist, on the shoulder, on the finger. The latter option is rare, the most common are tonometers with a cuff on the shoulder. It is conveniently fastened with Velcro, squeezing the hand tightly. During measurement, the edge of the cuff should be a few centimeters above the elbow. If the touch between the arm and the cuff is loose, the readings may be distorted.
- Cuff Sizes. There are tonometers for children and adults. For example, a cuff size of 15-22 cm is only suitable for a child's hand. Sizes from 22 to 42 are relevant for adults, it is important to know the girth of the shoulder or wrist when selecting.
- Additional functions. Automatic and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors are supplemented with options that simplify the measurement of blood pressure. For example, MAM technology allows you to determine the average value of consecutive measurements. The PAD option will show if a person has arrhythmia. Tonometers can be equipped with a calendar, time tracking, notification timer.
Advanced models are equipped with a motion indicator - if the user moves or twitches during the measurement, the indicators will not be accurate. The tonometer alerts you to a violation of the pressure measurement technology. Some devices are equipped with intelligent control technologies: the device adapts to the individual characteristics of the user.
Determining which tonometer is better to choose, take into account the target user.For example, for an elderly person with impaired vision, an automatic tonometer with voice guidance is well suited. The product will tell you which buttons to press and speak the received data aloud. If a person is prone to arrhythmias, you need to choose a device with an appropriate indicator. With an active lifestyle, carpal tonometers are suitable. If the device will be used by several people, choose a device with 2 memory cells.
The best automatic blood pressure monitors on your wrist
The tonometer is the best device for determining blood pressure at home. A person does not depend on the help of outsiders and can independently find out current data. Automatic devices with wrist rests are suitable for active people - they are mobile and affordable. You can take them with you and measure the pressure "in the field."
AND UB-202
- Compactness
- The presence of a plastic case
- A light weight
- Silent work
- No display backlight
- Small measurement error