How to choose a good blood pressure monitor for home use

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

Because There is a huge range of blood pressure monitors on the medical goods market and it’s quite difficult to choose a device. We have prepared recommendations that will help you to understand the types and features of devices and to purchase truly high-quality goods.

The best manufacturers of tonometers - which company to choose

Before buying a tonometer, pay attention to the manufacturer. You should not buy the device from companies with disreputable reputation, otherwise you risk to buy low-quality goods.

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

1. Omron

2. Microlife

3. Nissei

4. Beurer

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

To find out which models of devices are considered the highest quality, you can from our best tonometer rating.

The principle of operation and the device tonometer

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

Tonometers are made in various ways, so depending on the specific model, blood pressure is measured in 2 ways:

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

The cuff (special sleeve) has a pneumatic chamber inside. With automatic or mechanical air injection, it increases in size, which leads to compression of the artery and blocking the blood flow. If blood pressure is measured using a stethoscope, then at that moment you will not hear anything, because the blood stops circulating. Then the supercharger with the valve exhausts air. When blood begins to flow into a squeezed artery, you can hear a knock with the help of a stethoscope - the upper (systolic) blood pressure is recorded, when the blows disappear and the blood circulation is restored - the lower (diastolic) blood pressure is recorded.

The accuracy of measurements in mechanical tonometers depends on the speed of air descent. If you pull down very quickly, the results may be unreliable. As for the automatic models, they make it possible to minimize the influence of the human factor on the reliability of the results, because does 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 hand movements 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 assessed all the pros and cons of each device, buy the best option.

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

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

Mechanical

The measurement procedure requires human involvement. To get the right results, you need a certain ability to handle the tonometer. The devices involve the imposition of the cuff solely on the shoulder, as well as mechanical air injection using a rubber bulb. Measurements are carried out using a stethoscope. Indications are displayed on the manometer with an arrow. The devices are great for use in hospitals.

Advantages:

• high reliability;
• the results are not distorted by random movement of the hand, with arrhythmia;
• no batteries, battery, recharging required;
• low cost.

Disadvantages:

• not suitable for hearing impaired people;
• due to the lack of certain skills, the user may get an unreliable result;
• It is not recommended for weakened people because of the need for manual air injection.

Semi automatic

The devices are designed for family or individual use. To measure blood pressure is required to wear a cuff and pump a pear. The influence of a person on the error is minimal, since measurements occur in automatic mode. The readings are displayed on a digital display. With the help of such tonometers, the user will also be able to measure his pulse.

Advantages:

• relatively low cost;
• high accuracy class;
• does not require special operating skills;
• suitable for people with poor hearing and eyesight.

Disadvantages:

• battery operation.

Automatic

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

Advantages:

• quick and easy measurement;
• high accuracy at observance of the instruction manual;
• no need to use a stethoscope;
• they are distinguished by large numbers on the display, therefore they are suitable for people with low eyesight;
• the role of man in the process of measuring blood pressure is minimized.

Disadvantages:

• not recommended for people with impaired work of the heart, blood vessels;
• high price;
• battery or battery operation.

Shoulder cuff

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

Advantages:

• fit almost everyone;
• stable accurate readings.

Disadvantages:

• requires some manipulation of clothing.

With a cuff on the wrist

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

Advantages:

• measure pressure quickly;
• compact size;
• An excellent alternative to instruments 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 indications;
• in case of random movement, the probability of distorted results is high.

Finger tonometers

Adaptations are the least accurate, it is associated with different blood pressure in the wrist and finger, with different distances from the heart and inconstancy of the diameter and elasticity of blood vessels (when the patient's muscle tone changes). 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 sizes;
• quick control of pressure and pulse;
• no need to take off clothes.

Disadvantages:

• the most unstable readings;
• high price.

Tonometer selection options

1. Terms of Use

For home use, automatic and semi-automatic models are great. In medical institutions, it is common practice to use mechanical tonometers, and they can also be used at home with certain skills in handling them.

2. Type of tonometer

Select the type of tonometer should be based on the ease of use of a particular model, frequency and conditions of use, the age of the patient.

3. Cuff

The size of the cuff should be selected based on 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 (mounted on the thigh). Wrist cuffs are used in 13-20 cm.

4. Supercharger

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

5. Power supply

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

6. Additional functions

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

7. Service and warranty service

Over time, any equipment requires maintenance, so before buying you should clarify the possibility of purchasing spare parts (tubes, adapters, cuffs, etc.) and the conditions of warranty and post-warranty service.

Which tonometer to choose

1. The most accessible type of tonometer is a mechanical model. If the choice is stopped on a similar device and an independent measurement of blood pressure is planned without assistance, then it is better to purchase a device with a built-in stethoscope head and a combined pressure gauge and a supercharger. For specialists, respectively, separately.

2. If you need a device that measures blood pressure without making 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 blood pressure monitor, which does not require the skills of handling it, while it differs with accurate readings and affordable cost, it is better to purchase a semi-automatic model.

4. For older people who over time the vessels become not so elastic, especially in the wrist area, it is better to get blood pressure cuffs with a cuff on the shoulder.

5. For physically active people, compact tonometers on the finger or with a cuff on the wrist are suitable. It is convenient to take devices with you in trips, travels, since they do not take up much space. In addition, they are often equipped with convenient additional functions: pulse measurement, memory of recent readings, etc.

How much is a tonometer

1. The cost of mechanical tonometers: from 700 p. up to 3500 r.

2. The cost of semi-automatic tonometers: from 1300 p.up to 3500 r.

3. Cost of automatic tonometers:

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