Blood pressure monitor with phonendoscope. Mechanical tonometers. How to measure blood pressure with a tonometer

Even some 10-15 years ago, in order to measure the pressure, people had to go to the nearest, and sometimes not very close, clinic. Those units that were the happy owners of a personal pressure measuring device automatically became the most important and respected people in the area. Today, almost no family can do without a tonometer. And it is right. The style of modern life has made its own adjustments to our health and, unfortunately, hypertension today is no less common than any acute respiratory disease in kindergarten. Moreover, contrary to the opinion of many, not only the elderly have problems with high blood pressure, young people are no less likely to be diagnosed with hypertension. To constantly "keep your finger on the pulse" and control your health, you need to have a tonometer at home.

Such different tonometers ...

Blood pressure monitors are mechanical, automatic, semi-automatic, with a cuff that is worn on the wrist or with a shoulder cuff. There are even mercury blood pressure monitors! But we will focus on the first option - mechanical. This is not to say that such a pressure measuring device is the best, average or worst. All of them are different, but nevertheless, they quite cope with their purpose - to accurately measure blood pressure.

What is

Mechanical tonometers are the progenitors of modern pressure measuring instruments. Despite the fact that modernized models of tonometers that are more convenient to use are being produced today, mechanical ones still remain in high esteem. And this is well deserved: mechanical devices are accurate, they never break, they do not need to be charged. Almost all medical institutions of the post-Soviet space continue to use mechanical devices. The device consists of a manometer with a phonendoscope, an air blower and a cuff that is worn on the shoulder.

A mechanical blood pressure monitor is the most reliable type of device for measuring blood pressure. For this reason, such a tonometer will be an ideal option for those people who are forced to monitor their blood pressure on a daily basis. The standard equipment of a mechanical tonometer includes the following components:

• Cuff (can have both a standard size and an enlarged one).
• Manometer (regular or large).
• Air blower equipped with a special valve designed for the smoothest possible descent of air.
• Bag for storing the device.

Complete set of tonometer

Almost all models are equipped with a phonendoscope (or stethoscope). This is the name of a special medical device designed to listen to wheezing, noises and other sounds in the human body. The device has the simplest design: headphones, hoses and a membrane. By the way, the story of the creation of a stethoscope is very funny: earlier, doctors simply put their ear to the naked body of the patient to listen to the heart and lungs of patients. So, it is believed that a prototype of a modern phonendoscope was invented by a certain young and extremely shy doctor - he was embarrassed to touch the body of a young patient and he thought of rolling the newspaper into a tube. It turned out that the audibility through the tube is much higher than without it. Soon all doctors followed the example of this doctor and after some time a device very similar to a modern phonendoscope appeared, which is a hollow wooden pipe with extensions at the ends.

But back to tonometers. The tonometer can have both a separate phonendoscope and a built-in one. The last option is considered the most convenient to use. And devices for measuring pressure with a separate phonendoscope are most often used in medical institutions, because doctors often have to not only measure the blood pressure of their patients, but also listen to their heart and lungs.

The main advantage of mechanical tonometers with a phonendoscope over automatic ones is the lack of sensitivity to atherosclerosis and arrhythmia of the heart of a person whose pressure is measured. Therefore, the measurement result of such a device will be as accurate as possible.

The scheme for measuring blood pressure using a mechanical tonometer equipped with a phonendoscope is as follows:

1. The cuff is fixed on the patient's forearm.
2. The phonendoscope is put on the ears.
3. With the help of a supercharger, air is pumped into the cuff (the supercharger is an ordinary, most often rubber, small pear).
4. The valve is unscrewed and air slowly descends.
5. Simultaneously with the previous action (unscrewing the valve), the phonendoscope is listened to. At the moment of the first heart beat, the position of the arrow on the pressure gauge is detected - this will be an indicator of the upper (systolic) pressure. The last heartbeat is an indicator of the lower (diastolic) pressure.

Scheme for measuring pressure with a mechanical tonometer

That's the whole procedure for measuring blood pressure. However, despite its simplicity, not everyone succeeds in doing all the steps correctly the first time, so you have to train for some time.

Now about the important details that you need to pay attention to when choosing a tonometer with a phonendoscope.

How to choose a tonometer?

All mechanical models of blood pressure monitors are very similar to each other, but this does not mean that they are all equally good. To choose a really high-quality and easy-to-use tonometer with a phonendoscope, you need to pay attention to such things:

• Cuff size. Most often on sale there are blood pressure monitors with a standard cuff, the size of which can approximately be fixed in the range from 22 to 38 cm. There are also increased cuff sizes - up to 60 cm. This option is perfect for very obese people. Some models have a special design that allows you to change the cuffs of the required size. The cost of such devices is somewhat higher.
• cuff material. The cuff can be made of either cotton or nylon. Nylon is stronger and more durable, but some people are allergic to it. Cotton is hypoallergenic, so it is better for allergy sufferers to choose blood pressure monitors with a cotton cuff.
• Manometer body. The body can be made in plastic or metal. The mass of the tonometer directly depends on the material of the pressure gauge. Plastic is light, metal is heavy. If there is a need to measure blood pressure while traveling and walking, then it is better to opt for a plastic pressure gauge. Elderly people suffering from impaired coordination of movements should choose blood pressure monitors with a metal pressure gauge - they are shockproof and if the device falls, it will not fail.
• Gauge size. They are standard and large. Visually impaired people, of course, should choose blood pressure monitors with a large pressure gauge.
• Phonendoscope and its earpieces. Nozzles should be soft and rounded. This will help reduce the risk of ear damage.
• Blower valve. A dust filter is required. It allows you to extend the life of the device without additional maintenance.

You need to choose a tonometer based on your individual needs. If the device is needed for preventive purposes, for the systematic measurement of blood pressure, then you can buy the most budget option. But for medicinal purposes, when it is necessary to measure pressure daily, you need not save on health and purchase the most convenient and accurate tonometer!

The mechanical device for measuring blood pressure CS Medica CS-106 (with a phonendoscope) is equipped with a cuff that can be installed on the arm with a circumference of 22 to 42 cm. installation method - "overlap".

The pear of the device is made of soft, elastic rubber, which allows air to be pumped into the pneumochamber of the cuff without much effort. Also, an air valve is installed in the pear, equipped with a mesh filter, which protects the mechanism of the pressure gauge and the air valve nipple from dust and small particles. The air valve mechanism has a needle valve that allows air to be bled from the cuff at the rate necessary to measure pressure.

The metal tubes of the headband of the device are equipped with soft, elastic olives that fit snugly against the ear holes without injuring them.

The mechanical blood pressure monitor CS Medica CS-106 complies with the safety requirements for this product of medical equipment in the Russian Federation.

You can always buy a mechanical tonometer CS Medica CS-106 with a phonendoscope at a low price in our online store. You can place an order through the Shopping Cart, fill out a quick order form in 1 Click or call our phone numbers.

How to measure blood pressure with a tonometer

Good afternoon, my good ones. Let's pay attention to a medical device: a tonometer. About how to choose the right blood pressure monitor and get the most accurate readings on which your life depends.

Many people do not know how to use blood pressure monitors, or simply ignore them. This leads to very serious complications: hypertensive crises, stroke, myocardial infarction. Therefore, it is important to control blood pressure. It can save the lives of your loved ones.

The first symptoms of a rise in blood pressure: redness of the face, dizziness, headache, pain in the sternum.

Important features: accuracy, ease of use and cost. We will analyze the devices according to these parameters.

How to measure blood pressure with a tonometer

From the beginning I will tell you how to measure pressure correctly using the example of a mechanical tonometer.

1. Its main part is a cuff, which we put on the shoulder of the arm and into which we pump air with a pear to approximately 160-180 units.
2. Then we apply a stethoscope to the passage of large arteries and begin to slowly release air so that the arrow begins to move smoothly and slowly.

Very often we hear that normal pressure should be about 120 over 80. What do these numbers mean and how do we get them.

When we inflate the air, we squeeze the blood vessels, and when we start to let the air out, then at some point the blood begins to move freely again. And since the heart drives the blood in jerks, we, having leaned the stethoscope (“listener”) against the place of large vessels, will hear the beginning of the shocks. The smoothly moving arrow will also begin to move in jerks. You and I must remember from what number on the scale the arrow began the race. This number corresponds to the number of the upper or as doctors call it: systolic pressure.

3. We continue to bleed air. Tones knock, and then disappear. We need to remember the number from which the shocks stopped. This number corresponds to the second, lower pressure number or diastolic pressure.

Everything: the pressure was measured. And now - about the devices themselves.

Types of tonometers

You go to the pharmacy and your eyes run wide from the varieties of blood pressure monitors. How to navigate among them and choose the right one. We understand.

1. Mechanical blood pressure monitor with a cuff on the shoulder

The most common, but at the same time the most inconvenient of all devices: you need to simultaneously clamp it on your hand, pump it up with a pear and still manage to listen to the beginning and end of the jumps. For those who have poor eyesight and poor hearing, it is not suitable.

2. Improved mechanical tonometer with built-in phonendoscope and combined supercharger and pressure gauge

It is quite complicated in that the head of the stethoscope is built in and the pressure gauge and supercharger are combined.

They are easier to use, but just a little. When you put the cuff on your arm, you need to adapt to do it so that the head of the stethoscope stands at the place where the vessels pass. If this works out, then it becomes more convenient to use it than just a mechanical tonometer. That is, compared to the mechanical one, it is 1 minus less.

3. Semi-automatic blood pressure monitor with a cuff on the shoulder

The principle of measurement is electronic, but the injection is manual using a pear.

The pear was pumped up and she herself bleeds air, i.e. we don't need to adjust the airflow rate.

We started to descend and we look at the results on the screen of the device.

4. Electronic automatic blood pressure monitor with a cuff on the shoulder

He does all the procedures himself, you just have to put on the cuff and run it.
Pay attention to its screen: look at the sizes of the numbers on the scoreboard. Very comfortably.

The only downside is that it runs on batteries. If the batteries are slightly run down during the measurement, the readings may be inaccurate.

5. Electronic blood pressure monitor with wrist cuff

This is the most compact and convenient, but at the same time the most expensive of all blood pressure monitors, the device.
Of the minuses - the use of batteries.

If you choose the wrong cuff, it can significantly distort the readings. This applies to either very obese or too thin people. If the cuff is too narrow, then the readings may be higher than the real ones, and this is fraught: he can take a pill and the pressure drops below normal. If the cuff is too wide, the reading will be underestimated. Standard cuffs usually come in lengths from 25 to 42 cm. When buying this device, you should consult the seller.

It is necessary to take into account when choosing the brand of the tonometer: the brand of the tonometer and the brand of the cuff must match.

The cuff material is made of cotton and nylon. For individual use, we recommend purchasing blood pressure monitors with cotton cuffs.

Doctors have experimented with blood pressure monitors and advise using electronic blood pressure monitors. Among them, carpal tonometers showed a large error compared to others.

If the results of the experiment are evaluated by points, then an electronic automatic tonometer with a cuff on the shoulder deserves a five.

Mechanical tanometer received 4 points,

And the carpal - 3 points.

If we recall the price of blood pressure monitors, then here it turns out that the carpal one is the most expensive of them.

Mistakes we make when measuring pressure

Let's list 9 mistakes that people make when measuring pressure for themselves and their loved ones.

Let's summarize.

Taking into account all the data, we can say that if your budget allows, then it is better to buy an electronic automatic blood pressure monitor from points 3 and 4. If there is not enough money, then it is better to purchase an improved mechanical one.

Content

The currently available pressure measuring instruments are mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic. The first are considered the most reliable and budget. The components of this type of device are relatively inexpensive, so if one of its parts fails, it can be easily replaced. Manufacturers of medical equipment offer blood pressure monitors in different configurations, so each customer can find the best model for himself.

What is a mechanical tonometer

Before ordering a blood pressure monitor, please read the definition of this device. It is a professional device designed to measure blood pressure. When using different cuffs, the tonometer may be suitable for this procedure in people of different age groups. You can buy a mechanical blood pressure monitor in an online store with delivery by mail today from any city in the country, be it Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.

Device

Most doctors of domestic medical institutions prefer the classic mechanical device, because. it differs in accuracy of indications. If its components are intact, then the device will not malfunction. Its only drawback is that it is very difficult to measure their pressure on their own - an assistant will definitely be required. Any standard device of this type consists of a cuff, a pressure gauge, an air blower, a stethophonendoscope, or a phonendoscope.

A typical diagram of a mechanical device is as follows: a pressure gauge, an air blower and a cuff are connected to each other through special tubes. At the same time, the phonendoscope comes as a separate element, but in some devices it is built-in. The latest version is considered more convenient due to the fact that the head of the stethoscope is securely coupled to the cuff - its position does not need to be controlled. The stethoscope consists of a head and a binaural tube.

Principle of operation

Mechanical tonometers for measuring pressure work like this: when the cuff is filled with air, it stops blood circulation, while in the phonendoscope you can hear when the pressure has stopped. The person conducting the measurement slowly begins to release air from the cuff. In parallel, he listens carefully when the blood circulation is restored. As soon as a pulse is heard, he pays attention to the first (upper) digit of the pressure gauge - an indicator of systolic pressure. After the heart rate is not heard, the pressure gauge will show the diastolic, i.e. bottom pressure.

In order for the device to give readings with a minimum error, the patient will need to prepare for the procedure: relax, comfortably put your hand on the table. Then the assistant will need to put the cuff on his shoulder so that it is located at the level of the heart. It is fastened with Velcro. Then you need to start working with a pear (air blower), install a stethoscope (phonendoscope) to hear the pulsation in the veins. Some mechanical instruments often use a hybrid design of a stethoscope and phonendoscope, called a stethophonendoscope.

Types of tonometers

Manual tonometer mechanical type is produced in two versions: with a separately going stethoscope or built into the cuff. There are devices in which the pressure gauge is combined with a pear, which simplifies the procedure for measuring blood pressure to oneself. Often there are separate devices for adults and children. The devices offered for sale differ not only in the design version, but also in technical characteristics, overall dimensions, shoulder cuff length, measurement range and other parameters.

With a phonendoscope

If you are going to buy a good blood pressure monitor that is equipped with a phonendoscope, pay attention to Shock Protection LD-91 from the manufacturer LD-91 (Singapore). The device is recommended for use in non-office operating conditions, for example, for ambulances, home practitioners, emergency medical rescue services, etc. It fully complies with shock resistance standards and, with proper use, will last at least 2-3 years:

• model name: Little Doctor Shock Protection LD-91;
• price: 1175 rubles;
• characteristics: phonendoscope included, shoulder cuff - 25-36 cm, type - enlarged adult, material - nylon, plastic manometer, dial diameter - 50 mm, measurement limits - 20-300 mm Hg (Hg), possible discrepancies - +/- 3 mm Hg, weight - 332 g;
• pluses: relatively low weight compared to analogues made of metal, the presence of an automatic zero adjustment mechanism;
• cons: The plastic case may seem fragile.

The CS106F device from the Russian manufacturer CS Medica is distinguished by comfortable ear olives (nozzles) and the ability to use with five cuffs for shoulder circumference from 9 to 50 cm. This mechanical device is cheaper than many foreign analogues:

• model name: CS Medica CS-106;
• price: 870 rubles;
• characteristics: there is a metal phonendoscope, shoulder cuff - 22-42 cm, type - enlarged without fixing ring, measurement limits - 20-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies - +/- 3 mm Hg, pressure gauge body - metal, weight - 400 g;
• pluses: the presence of a dust filter in a pear, it is cheap;
• cons: no.

Without phonendoscope

Little Doctor LD-70NR is an inexpensive metal aneroid device from a Singaporean manufacturer. The device is equipped with a metal pickling needle valve and a check valve filter. It is recommended to operate at temperatures from +10 to +40 degrees and humidity from 85% and below. There are no age restrictions, but the device can be used provided that the cuff of the appropriate size is used. Tonometer LD-70NR is designed for 7 years of service:

• model name: Little Doctor LD-70NR;
• price: 730 rubles;
• characteristics: shoulder cuff - 25-40 cm, material - nylon, metal manometer, dial diameter - 4.5 cm, possible inconsistencies - +/- 3 mm Hg, measurement limits - 20-300 mm Hg, weight - 237 g;
• pluses: the presence of a mesh filter, build quality, acceptable cost;
• cons: the phonendoscope needs to be bought separately.

Pay attention to the mechanical device from the recognized leader Microlife (Switzerland) - BP-AG1-10. The tonometer is equipped with a needle valve, which ensures the release of air from the cuff of the device more smoothly compared to analogues. The set is stored in a bag with a fastener:

• model name: Microlife BP AG1-10;
• price: 1090 rubles;
• characteristics: shoulder cuff - 25-40 cm, possible discrepancies - +/- 3 mm Hg, measurement limits - 0-299 mm Hg, weight - 360 g;
• pros: storage bag, provides accurate measurements;
• cons: it costs more than analogues, a phonendoscope is bought in addition.

With stethoscope

Microlife BP AG1-20 is a mechanical blood pressure monitor that comes with a stethoscope. Designed for both healthcare professionals and home use. Equipped with a pear with a needle valve, due to which the air is released smoothly. The device has proven itself, like many other blood pressure monitors from the recognized leader in this field Microlife:

• model name: Microlife BP AG1-20;
• price: 1020 rubles;
• characteristics: shoulder cuff - 22-32 cm, there is a stethoscope, a storage bag;
• pluses: the presence of a bag, accessibility;
• cons: no.

The BP AG1-40 from Microlife is a mechanical device equipped with an oversized pressure gauge, the design of which is integrated with a pressure bulb. The latter is latex, due to which it is durable, elastic. The tonometer is designed for use in different conditions:

• model name: Microlife BP AG1-40;
• price: 1440 rubles;
• characteristics: there is a stethoscope, a storage bag, cuff dimensions (shoulder) - 25-40 cm, measurement limits - 0-300 mmHg, possible inconsistencies - +/- 6 mmHg, weight - 520 g;
• pluses: there is a bag, air release is carried out smoothly;
• cons: high error, cost.

AG1-30 is a device from the Swiss manufacturer Microlife with a built-in stethoscope. Designed for accurate pressure measurement in domestic conditions:

• model name: BP-AG1-30;
• price: 1270 rubles;
• characteristics: there is a built-in stethoscope, storage bag, cuff - 22-32 cm, measurement limits - 0-299 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies - in the range from 0 to 4 mm Hg, weight - 450 g;
• pluses: the presence of a nylon bag with a clasp;
• cons: high error.

With age cuffs

IAD-01-2A is a mechanical tonometer with an extended package, which includes a set of age cuffs, a storage bag and a stethophonendoscope SF-03 "ADYUTOR", SF-01 "ADYUTOR". The set is optimally suited for use by doctors, for example, in kindergarten. More about the characteristics of the device:

• model name: IAD-01-2A;
• price: 5440 rubles;
• characteristics: there are 2 stethophonendoscopes, enlarged cuff - 25-42 cm, standard - 22-36 cm, children - 9-15 / 14-21 / 20-28 cm;
• pluses: rich equipment, comfortable belt, bag with compartments for documents;
• cons: it's expensive.

Mechanical aneroid device LD-80 is designed to measure blood pressure in children. The blower check valve of the device is equipped with a strainer, which is able to prevent dust from clogging the pressure gauge. This mechanical device is reliable, but it is recommended to operate it at temperatures from +10°C to +40°C:

• model name: LD-80;
• price: 1400 rubles;
• characteristics: there are 3 cuffs (C2N, C2I, C2C) made of cotton for the shoulder with a circumference of 7-12/11-19/18-26 cm, a metal manometer, a dial diameter of 4.4 cm. measurement limits - 20-300 mm Hg, possible discrepancies - +/- 3 mm Hg, weight - 351 g, guarantee - 1 g;
• pluses: the presence of a bag, a rich set, affordable price;
• cons: lack of a phonendoscope.

Take a closer look at the B.WELL WM-62S mechanical blood pressure monitor with a reliable needle air valve with a smooth descent. This makes it easier to recognize soft and loud tones. The air blower and pneumatic chambers are made using seamless technology from high quality latex. Comes with a nylon bag with a zipper. The mechanical device is optimal for professional and home use:

• model name: B.WELL WM-62S;
• price: 520 rubles;
• characteristics: enlarged cuff - 25-40 cm, measurement limits - 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies - +/- 3 mm Hg, weight - 385 g, warranty - 1 year;
• pluses: there is a comfortable and soft case, low cost;
• cons: no.

Another blood pressure monitor in this category of goods is CS110 Premium from the Russian manufacturer CS Medica. Designed for use in medical practice, such as clinics, hospitals, ambulances, physiotherapy rooms:

• model name: CS Medica CS-110 Premium;
• price: 4200 rubles;
• characteristics: there is a phonendoscope, a cuff (enlarged) without a fixing bracket - 22-39 cm, measurement limits - 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies - +/- 3 mm Hg, weight - 540 g;
• pluses: high-quality assembly, ease of use;
• cons: high cost.

Professional mechanical tonometer

Little Doctor LD-81 is a professional blood pressure monitor for taking measurements using the Korotkov method. Recommended for doctors working in hospitals and clinics. At home, it can be used as an adjunct to medical supervision. The mechanical instrument is equipped with a metal pickling needle valve. It is recommended to operate at temperatures from +10°С to +40°С and humidity below 85%:

• model name: Little Doctor LD-81;
• price: 1170 rubles;
• characteristics: enlarged adult cuff made of nylon - 25-36 cm, manometer made of plastic, dial diameter - 6 cm, measurement limits - 0-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies - +/- 3 mm Hg, weight - 296 G;
• pluses: lightweight, there is a built-in phonendoscope;
• cons: no.

Professional classical blood pressure monitor AND UA-200 with a high-precision measurement function is a good choice for medical professionals. The model is made of high quality alloy, so it will last a very long time:

• model name: AND UA-200;
• price: 1149 rubles;
• characteristics: there is a Rappoport stethoscope with interchangeable parts, measurement limits - 20-300 mm Hg, possible inconsistencies - +/- 2 mm Hg, weight - 560 g, warranty - 3 years;
• pluses: excellent accuracy, the presence of a convenient cover;
• cons: no.

DS45-11 from the American manufacturer Welch Allyn with a 10-year calibration warranty. This integrated aneroid sphygmomanometer can rotate 360 ​​degrees for easy reading:

• model name: Welch Allyn DS45;
• price: 8300 rubles;
• characteristics: reusable cuff - 25-34 cm, dimensions - 53x13.5 cm, measurement limits - 0-300 mm Hg;
• pluses: shockproof design, durable, comfortable;
• cons: very expensive.

Desktop

As an option, you can order a tonometer in a desktop version. A relatively inexpensive Chinese-made purchase is the Little Doctor LD100, which is equipped with a large dial. The professional device for measuring pressure is equipped with a metal stethoscope, which is particularly sensitive. The blower check valve has a special mesh filter, thanks to which the tonometer is not clogged with dust. The pressure gauge LD100 is directly connected to the blower bulb:

• model name: Little Doctor LD-100;
• price: 1510 rubles;
• characteristics: there is a stethoscope, shoulder cuff - 25-36 cm, dimensions - 14x53 cm, material - nylon, plastic manometer, dial diameter - 11 cm, measurement limits - 0-300 mm Hg, possible discrepancies - +/- 3 mm mercury column, weight - 464 g;
• pluses: a large contrast dial, a strainer at the valve, dimensional marks;
• cons: it is more expensive than analogues.

The desktop mechanical device AT-41 has an elongated tube and an enlarged dial. A distinctive feature is the stand, which can ensure stable placement of the pressure gauge on a table or other horizontal surface:

• model name: AT-41;
• price: 1881 rubles;
• characteristics: cuff without fixing ring - 50x14 cm, pressure gauge size - 15x15 cm, scale - from 0 to 300 mm Hg. Art.;
• pluses: convenient, high-quality, the ability to mount on the wall;
• cons: it is expensive, there is no phonendoscope.

How to choose a mechanical tonometer

In household use, it is more convenient to use a manual tonometer equipped with a built-in stethoscope. It is easier to operate than a conventional mechanical blood pressure monitor. It is better for a medical worker to choose a professional device; if necessary, you can give preference to a device with a set of age cuffs. When choosing, pay attention to the following criteria:

• Price. The price of the offered tonometers varies from 700-1000 to several thousand rubles. The larger the equipment and the better the characteristics, the more expensive the purchase will cost you, therefore, initially decide on the specific purposes for which you are going to buy a mechanical device.
• Range of measurements, accuracy of indicators. For most devices, the first setting is 0-300 and the second is +/- 3mmHg
• Manufacturer's warranty. It is better to give preference to mechanical devices that are covered by a guarantee of at least 1 year - better than 2, or even 3.
• Equipment. The larger the set, the better, but this will affect the increase in the cost of the device. It is desirable to have a special bag for easy storage and transportation.
• The quality of the rubber from which the pear, cuff, connecting tubes are made. In some kits, it is not very good, so after 2-3 years the rubber dries out and begins to crumble. It is better to give preference to products from trusted manufacturers, for example, Swiss, Japanese.

In the home first aid kit, along with a thermometer and the necessary medicines, there should be a tonometer. Deviations from normal blood pressure, as well as elevated body temperature, can occur even in a healthy person. And in time, the identified deviations will help the attending physician to establish the correct diagnosis in the future and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Therefore, the choice of a tonometer should be taken with all seriousness. First of all, you need to answer three main questions: for whom the device is bought (an elderly person or a child), does the person have any physiological features (low vision, deafness) and, of course, determine the price. And in order to be well versed in these matters and choose the best tonometer, we suggest you read this article.

Tonometers for the elderly

When choosing a suitable tonometer, you should pay attention to a fully automatic device. It will be much more convenient to use it. Also, you should refuse to buy a carpal tonometer. The fact is that with age, changes occur in the body: the elasticity of blood vessels worsens, the pulse on the wrist weakens, and this all affects the readings of the device and, as a result, the measurement result may be inaccurate.

An excellent solution would be to choose a tonometer with additional useful features. For example, it may be difficult for an elderly person to put the cuff on their upper arm, and, as you know, the accuracy of the measurement results depends on the cuff attachment. In this case, the Japanese company Omron offers blood pressure monitors with an indicator of the correct fixation of the cuff. An inexpensive option in this case would be a tonometer Omron M2 Plus.

It would not be superfluous to purchase a tonometer that can calculate the average value of blood pressure based on the results of the last three measurements, such as Omron M3 Expert. This method guarantees the most accurate result. And pay attention to blood pressure monitors, which not only store the last measurements in memory, but also fix the date and time ( Omron MIT Elite). This will make it easier to track fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the day.

Thus, a tonometer for an elderly person should be:

• convenient;
• easy to use;
• reliable and durable;
• have a useful feature set.

Tonometers for children

For a child, an automatic, semi-automatic and mechanical tonometer is suitable. "Which is better?" - the question is brewing. The choice here depends on personal preference. However, very young children are recommended to carry out the procedure for measuring blood pressure with a mechanical tonometer, and those who are older can already be entrusted with an automatic tonometer. An important point to pay attention to is the choice of cuff. For automatic blood pressure monitors Omron M5, Omron M6 and semi-automatic tonometers Omron S1, Omron M1 Compact, M1 Eco cuffs are available with a circumference of 17-22 cm. If you prefer mechanical blood pressure monitors, CS Medica offers a large selection of cuffs in various sizes:

• For babies (9-14 cm)
• Children (13-22 cm)
• For teenagers (18-27 cm)

Tonometer for visually impaired people

Many medical device companies produce devices for people with disabilities. So, for visually impaired people, you can choose a tonometer with a large, readable display and voice guidance, which voices possible measurement errors and results. Tonometer B. WELL WA–77, the body of which is made in red, has a large button to control the tonometer. The best tonometer can be recognized A&D UA 1300, which not only announces the indicators, but also compares them with the classification of arterial hypertension according to the WHO scale and announces the result. For maximum comfort, blood pressure monitors are available with a backlit display.

Budget blood pressure monitors

Inexpensive blood pressure monitors include semi-automatic and mechanical devices. The price of Omron semi-automatic blood pressure monitors range from 1400 to 2000 rubles. For this relatively little money, these devices have a sufficient set of functions. For example, a tonometer Omron M1 Eco is armed with an arrhythmia indicator, calculation of the average value of arterial pressure, date and time registration. In terms of price / quality / functionality, this device will be an ideal choice. But if you want to purchase a device no more than 1000 rubles, then you should pay attention to mechanical devices. For example, on a tonometer Little Doctor LD-71A who does his job well.