How to choose a good tonometer for home use

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Among the many devices that allow you to monitor the parameters of your health, you should allocate blood pressure monitors. The devices allow to measure blood pressure quickly and painlessly at home without the help of qualified specialists and take timely measures to normalize it.

on the market of medical products a huge range of tonometers is presented and it's rather difficult to choose a device, we have prepared recommendations that will help you to understand the varieties and features of devices and to get a really high-quality product.

Contents:

  1. The best manufacturers of tonometers - which firm to choose
  2. How does the device work and the device of the tonometer
  3. ? Tonometer variants
  4. Parameters of the tonometers
  5. Which tonometer to choose
  6. How much is the tonometer

The best manufacturers of tonometers - which firm to choose

Before buying the tonometer, pay attention to the manufacturer. Do not buy devices from companies with a dubious reputation, otherwise you risk buying a poor-quality product.

We have prepared a list of companies that are recommended by leading experts of the world:

1. Omron

2. Microlife

3. Nissei

4. Beurer

Devices of these brands have been certified by international protocols. Thanks to the experience of highly qualified specialists and the use of the latest technologies, the goods received the highest rating according to the accuracy class.

To find out which models of devices are considered the most qualitative, you can from our rating of the best tonometers.

Principle of operation and the device of the tonometer

The tonometer( sphygmomanometer) is a device for measuring blood pressure( BP).The instrument consists of a manometer that displays the readings;cuffs worn on the shoulder, wrist or finger;and an air blower, which has an adjustable release valve.

Tonometers are made in different versions, therefore, depending on the specific model, blood pressure is measured in 2 ways:

  • by Korotkov method( the pulse is audible with a stethoscope - in mechanical models);
  • by oscillometric method( the built-in electronic sensor evaluates the oscillations in the cuff and displays the results on the screen - automatic models).

The cuff( special sleeve) is inside the pneumatic chamber. With automatic or mechanical air injection, it increases in size, which leads to squeezing the artery and blocking the flow of blood. If the measurement of blood pressure is carried out with a stethoscope, then at this moment there will be nothing to hear, becausethe blood ceases to circulate. Then the supercharger with the valve releases air. When the blood begins to flow into the clogged artery, a stethoscope can be heard, - the upper( systolic) BP is recorded, when the strokes disappear and the blood circulation is restored - the lower( diastolic) blood pressure is recorded.

The accuracy of measurements in mechanical tonometers depends on the rate of descent. If you lower it very quickly, the results may be unreliable. With regard to automatic models, they allow to minimize the influence of the human factor on the reliability of the results, becausedoes not require special skills.

There are several points that can affect the result and in automatic devices:

  • problems with the cardiovascular system( arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, etc.);
  • random movement of the hand during measurements.

Types of tonometers

Before you buy a tonometer, you should familiarize yourself with its varieties and basic features and only after that, having evaluated all the pros and cons of each device, buy the best option.

To date, the devices can be divided into the following groups:

  • by the air injection method( mechanical, semi-automatic, automatic);
  • at the location of the cuff( on the wrist, shoulder, finger).

Mechanical

The measurement procedure requires human intervention. To get the right results, you need a certain skill in handling the tonometer. The devices assume the cuff to be applied exclusively to the shoulder, as well as mechanical air injection using a rubber pear. The measurements are carried out with a stethoscope. The readings are displayed on the manometer with the arrow. The devices are excellent for use in hospitals.

Advantages:

  • high reliability;
  • results are not distorted by accidental movement of the hand, with arrhythmia;
  • for use do not need batteries, battery, recharging;
  • low cost.

Disadvantages:

  • is not suitable for people with hearing loss;
  • due to lack of specific skills, the user can get an unreliable result;
  • is not recommended for weakened people due to the need for manual air injection.

Semi-automatic

The devices are designed for family or individual use. To measure BP it is necessary to put on the cuff and pump the pear. The human influence on the error is minimal, becausemeasurements take place automatically. Indications are displayed on the digital display. With the help of such tonometers, the user will also be able to measure his pulse.

Advantages:

  • is relatively inexpensive;
  • high accuracy class;
  • does not require special skills of operation;
  • is suitable for people with poor hearing and vision.

Disadvantages:

  • battery operation.

Automatic

Such devices can be fixed on the shoulder, wrist or finger. Many models have a pulse indicator and a memory function( the user can track the dynamics of the pressure measurement).Air is injected automatically with the help of an electronic compress, so a person does not need to exert some effort. The accuracy of the results depends on the observance of the measurement instructions. If the cuff is worn incorrectly or the person moved during the measurement, the indicators will be unreliable.

Advantages:

  • quick and easy measurement;
  • high accuracy while observing the operating instructions;
  • no need to use a stethoscope;
  • are distinguished by large numbers on the display, so they are suitable for people with poor vision;
  • a person's role in the process of measuring blood pressure is minimized.

Disadvantages:

  • is not recommended for people with cardiac, vascular disorders;
  • high cost;
  • work from batteries or battery.

With cuff on the shoulder of

Such tonometers are the most common. They appeared first and are still popular. Unlike tonometers with a cuff on the wrist or finger, this model can be both mechanical and automatic. Devices are universal, becausethey can be used at home and in a hospital.

Advantages:

  • is suitable for almost everyone;
  • stable accurate readings.

Disadvantages:

  • requires some manipulation with clothes.

With wrist cuff

The devices are easy to use, becauseto measure blood pressure does not require unnecessary manipulation of clothing. They are compact in size, so they are great for trips, walks, to the country. Suitable for people who are active in physical activity.measure not only BP, but also the pulse. But it should be remembered that any involuntary contraction of the muscles( which can occur during a conversation, with the patient's active behavior) can affect the result.

Pluses:

  • quickly measure pressure;
  • compact size;
  • is an excellent alternative to devices with a cuff on the shoulder in the event that a person has too much arm volume in the biceps area and the use of standard shoulder cuffs is impossible.

Disadvantages:

  • average stability of the readings;
  • in case of accidental movement, the probability of distorted results is high.

Tonometers on the finger

Adaptations differ the least accuracy, this is due to different blood pressure in the wrist and finger area, with different distances from the heart and the variability of the diameter and elasticity of the vessels( with a change in muscle tone of the patient).But the devices are compact and easy to operate. Such devices are often used in athletes, when you need to quickly and often measure blood pressure.

Advantages:

  • small size;
  • rapid control of pressure and pulse;
  • no need to take off your clothes.

Disadvantages:

  • the most unstable readings;
  • high cost.

Parameters for selecting tonometers

1. Terms of use

Automated and semi-automatic models are ideal for home use. In medical institutions it is customary to use mechanical tonometers, they can also be used at home with certain skills of handling them.

2. The type of the tonometer

The type of the tonometer to choose is based on the convenience of the particular model, the frequency and conditions of use, the age of the patient.

3. Cuff

The cuff size should be chosen from the circumference of the shoulder, finger or wrist. Cuffs on the shoulder come in various sizes: from 7-12 cm( for newborns) to 40-66 cm( attached to the thigh).For the wrist cuffs of 13-20 cm are used.

4. Supercharger

The design of mechanical and semi-automatic models assumes the presence of a pear for manual air pumping. It is important that the cylinder, valves were made of strong materials and were resistant to corrosion. For example, superchargers made of latex( or thermoplastic rubber) have a longer service life.

5. Power supply

Automatic and semi-automatic tonometers require power from the batteries or the battery. To often not buy batteries( if regular use is planned), it is better to purchase a blood pressure monitor with a battery.

6. Additional functions

Extended functionality makes the tonometer more convenient to use. For example, some models determine the pulse, show the day of the week and the time, save the last results, determine the average readings, have an alarm timer, detect an arrhythmia, etc.

7. Service and warranty service

Over time, any technique requires maintenance, so beforepurchase should clarify the possibility of purchasing spare parts( tubes, adapters, cuffs, etc.) and the terms of warranty and post-warranty service.

Which dosimeter to choose

1. The most affordable type of tonometers is the mechanical model. If the selection is stopped on a similar device and the BP measurement is planned independently without assistance, it is better to purchase a device with a built-in stethoscope head and a combined manometer and a supercharger. For specialists, respectively, separately.

2. If you need a device that measures blood pressure without applying any effort to it, it is better to choose an automatic model. In addition, the measurement results become known after 20-30 seconds.

3. If you need a tonometer that does not require handling skills, while it has accurate indications and affordable cost, it is better to purchase a semi-automatic model.

4. For elderly people who become not so flexible with time, especially in the wrist area, it is better to purchase a tonometer with a cuff on the shoulder.

5. For physically active people, compact tonometers on a finger or with a wrist cuff are suitable. Appliances are convenient to take with them on trips, travel, becausethey do not take up much space. In addition, they are often equipped with convenient additional functions: pulse measurement, memory of the last readings, etc.

How much does the tonometer

1. Cost of mechanical tonometers: from 700 r.up to 3500 rubles.

2. Cost of semi-automatic tonometers: from 1300 r.up to 3500 rubles.

3. The cost of automatic tonometers:

  • on the shoulder: from 1800 r.up to 7500 rubles;
  • on the wrist: from 1700 r.up to 6800 rubles;
  • on the finger: from 700 p.up to 3500 rubles.