A blood pressure monitor is used to determine blood pressure readings. It displays the upper as well as the lower arterial pressure.
What is a blood pressure monitor?
The measurement takes place externally either on the wrist or on the upper arm. In doing so, the device indicates the systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressures. Physicians also refer to a blood pressure monitor as a sphygmomanometer or blood pressure gauge. This refers to a device for measuring blood pressure values. The measurement is taken externally either on the wrist or on the upper arm. The device indicates the systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure. With the help of a blood pressure monitor, it is possible to determine the pressure of a blood vessel. Blood pressure is the pressure that exists in the arteries. With each heartbeat there are fluctuations between the diastolic pressure, i.e. the minimum value, and the systolic pressure, i.e. the maximum value. The developer of indirect blood pressure measurement was the Italian physician Scipione Riva-Rocci (1867-1937) in 1896, whose method is still called Riva-Rocci (RR) today. In earlier times, blood pressure monitors were filled with mercury. This rose in the frame of a column when the cuff of the device was inflated. This was how the blood pressure was indicated. The unit of measurement millimeters of mercury column (mmHg) is derived from this.
Forms, types and styles
With blood pressure monitors, it is important to distinguish between traditional and digital devices. With the classic measuring device, the user places an associated cuff around his upper arm, just above the elbow. Alternatively, however, measurement is also possible on the thigh, above the knee. By pumping, the user increases the cuff pressure until it reaches the presumed systolic value. The pressure is then slowly released, resulting in swirling sounds, also known as Korotkoff sounds. In this way, the diastolic and systolic arterial pressure values can be determined by the physician through the use of a stethoscope. In modern times, modern digital blood pressure monitors are commonly used. These devices are placed around the upper arm or inner wrist and are easy to use. The cuff and the measuring device form a single unit. The measurement takes place either semi-automatically or fully automatically. In the case of semi-automatic measurement, the cuff is inflated by the user, while in the case of fully automatic measurement, inflation is performed by the measuring device. An automatic blood pressure monitor makes it easier for the patient to check his or her own blood pressure. Once the user has put on the blood pressure monitor, he presses a button to start the measurement. A battery automatically inflates the cuff. When the air is deflated, a sensor can register blood pressure and heart rate. With more complex blood pressure monitors, it is even possible to detect cardiac arrhythmias. Another form of blood pressure monitor is the invasive measuring device, which is used for intra-arterial blood pressure measurement. These devices are primarily used in intensive care medicine. In this way, automatic monitoring of blood pressure is possible.
Design and mode of operation
A manual blood pressure monitor is composed of a cuff, which has a rubber pump ball used to inflate it. Another important component is the pressure gauge. Through this, the current blood pressure is displayed. The user places the blood pressure cuff around his upper arm and inflates it with the help of the rubber ball. The air can be gradually released from the cuff via a valve. The user reads the respective pressure on the manometer. With a manual blood pressure monitor, the reading can only be made on the upper arm. In contrast, with a fully automatic meter, a reading can be taken not only on the upper arm, but also on the wrist. However, wrist blood pressure monitors are less accurate. For this reason, they are primarily used for home use. Thus, these devices can be purchased inexpensively. The operating principles of wrist and upper arm sphygmomanometers are almost identical. Normally, measurement takes place oscillatory. Thus, the device determines the blood pressure values through oscillations. The wall of the blood vessel transmits these to the cuff. In the context of a fully automatic blood pressure measurement, it is sufficient to attach the blood pressure cuff correctly.Everything else is then automatically taken over by the measuring device. In addition, most fully automatic blood pressure monitors have a measurement memory. With its help, the last measurements taken can be saved.
Medical and health benefits
A blood pressure monitor has a high medical benefit. For example, it is extremely important to detect high blood pressure in time. High blood pressure increases the risk of suffering a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. Although every third adult suffers from high blood pressure in the course of his or her life, only very few are aware of it. However, by regularly measuring blood pressure, it is possible to detect this danger at an early stage and to take appropriate treatment. Having your own blood pressure monitor for home use also offers the advantage of not having to visit a doctor or pharmacy for every measurement. In addition, the patient is always informed about his blood pressure values. Blood pressure values are considered normal when the systolic pressure does not exceed 140 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is below 90 mmHg. Values higher than 140/90 mmHg are considered to be too high blood pressure. Blood pressure is classified as too low if the value is less than 100 mmHg. The diastolic value is less than 60 to 65 mmHg. The ideal blood pressure value is given as 120/80 mmHg, but it also depends on the constitution of the individual person. To ensure the most accurate blood pressure measurement possible, the patient must not talk during the measurement process and must sit still. Furthermore, the blood pressure monitor should be applied exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
