How to determine which tonometer is better

From time to time, there is a need to measure blood pressure. For this, a tonometer is needed in the house. How to choose it and what type of tonometer is better?

The choice can be made, having learned all about various updatings of existing tonometers.

Types of tonometers

Tonometers come in the following varieties:

• Mechanical tonometers. In these devices, the air in the cuff is forced manually, and the readings are determined by the signal from the phonendoscope. These tonometers are relatively inexpensive and available.
• · Electronic tonometers. All indications are recorded by an electronic device and appear on the monitor, and the device itself operates from batteries or in some models from the network. The cost of electronic tonometers is higher than mechanical, but they have a number of advantages: the ability to measure the heart rate and the presence of arrhythmia; The presence of a device that stores the readings of the last measurement; Additional advantages in the form of lighting, sound signals, timers, calendar, etc.

Depending on the way air is injected into the cuff, electronic tonometers are divided into the following types:

• Semi-automatic tonometer. The air in the cuff is injected manually using a pear.
• Automatic tonometer. All actions to measure pressure are performed automatically without the participation of a person. Suitable for very weak patients who find it difficult even to use a pear. These devices are the most expensive and more often than in semi-automatic models, require replacement of batteries.

Why is there a difference in the indications of different types of tonometers?

Sometimes puzzled statements are heard that when comparing different tonometers, a difference in the readings of about 15 units is found. How can this be caused?

Do not forget that the manometer measures human pressure, therefore the human factor in the form of an individual delayed reaction, hearing and visual impairment, can affect the objectivity of the measurement readings. Automatic and semiautomatic tonometers are free of this drawback, since they are measured by the pressure electronics already configured and tested by the manufacturer.

Also do not forget that with any physical effort, even if you moved from one chair to another or just walked around the room, the pressure indicators rise to 10 mm Hg. Art. And in this case it does not really matter which tonometer is better.

Also, the indication of an electronic device can easily be affected by a nearby mobile phone. Do not forget to remove it far away during the measurements.

There can be no doubt that the accuracy of all instruments for measuring pressure - both electronic and mechanical - has been verified by the manufacturer and confirmed by health organizations. Therefore, a higher price is not an indicator of which tonometer is better, but only indicates the presence of additional functions in the design of the tonometer.

Why you should buy a tonometer

Many people do not even realize that they have problems with increased blood pressure, because they do not feel the symptoms and say they are quite healthy. However, this is a serious danger. It was those who never controlled their blood pressure, were recorded sudden hypertensive crises and even hemorrhages in the brain. Therefore, it is worthwhile to purchase a blood pressure monitor to control the pressure.

If you do not know how to measure pressure with a mechanical tonometer, then it will be better for you to purchase an electronic one.

It's up to you to decide which tonometer is best, and the choice of how to measure pressure, by a mechanical tonometer or electronic, is up to you. The main thing is that your device always shows that you and your family members are under normal pressure!