Why does pressure build up in the tonometer. Malfunctions in the operation of the tonometer: does not show pressure, takes off, gives different indicators and other problems

Electronic blood pressure monitors are used constantly due to their simplicity. The main problem of electronic devices is an unexpected reset of readings. Let's figure out why the tonometer does not show pressure and resets the available readings.

The principle of operation of the electronic tonometer

All tonometers have a similar principle of operation. It consists in measuring pressure by determining fluctuations in the cuff of the device, which occurs when "listening" to the blood passing through the veins. A special device is installed in the cuff, which is put on the arm in the area of ​​the artery.

This principle of operation is the oscillometric method. Further, the obtained indicators are displayed on the second part of the tonometer - a mechanical pressure gauge or the main unit of the electronic version.

Device structure

As for the operation of the electronic device, the vibrations occurring in the cuff are analyzed by an automatic system, which translates them into digital values. Depending on the available functions, the electronic tonometer can display the following data:

• indicators of the upper and lower blood pressure;
• heart rate;
• determination of the presence of arrhythmias and other possible pathologies.

Automatic blood pressure monitor

In electronic varieties, you can use the previous saved data. Some models remember blood pressure readings up to 20-30 measurements.

The automatic blood pressure monitor has significant disadvantage in the form of an unexpected data reset. Such a nuisance can develop during the use of the device, and previously fixed indicators are also often “lost”.

Reasons for dropping indicators

If the electronic blood pressure monitor resets during use, we can talk about a serious malfunction. But often users themselves make mistakes. Therefore, among all possible causes The presented problem can be identified as:

The device does not show all the data

• complete malfunction of the device;
• an error in the oscillometric method of measurement - there is a malfunction in the cuff;
• the user jerked his hand, which caused a failure in the measurement of blood flow;
• the user has arrhythmia - at this time the heart works irregularly, so the automatic system does not have time to measure the indicators and interpret them into numerical values;
• other features of the user's body;
• detachment of the cable of the main unit, which causes incorrect display of numbers on the display.

The features of the body include various disorders in cardiovascular system which is often seen in the elderly. At the same time, in most cases, the tonometer shows different indicators, but it can even reset the values.

How to fix it?

Before correcting an existing malfunction, it is necessary to determine its cause. If it is a matter of incorrect pressure measurement, it is necessary to read the instructions again with recommendations for use. The basic rule in this case is not to move the hand on which the pressure is measured.

The user's actions in repairing the device depend on the cause of the malfunction:

Cable detachment requires soldering contacts

In order to avoid trouble or for subsequent possible free repairs, it is recommended that you choose to purchase devices from those brands that have their own service centers at the user's place of residence.

Hello dear friends!

Today, as promised, we will talk about blood pressure monitors. It seems to me that after a detailed conversation about hypertension, it is logical to talk about meters.

Perhaps, for many of you, the choice of a tonometer is not particularly difficult.

And wonderful!

Therefore, I will be very glad if you also find something valuable for yourself in this article.

But I know that thousands of people who have nothing to do with pharmaceuticals daily type in the search engine the phrase “how to choose a blood pressure monitor?” And who knows, maybe they will come across just this blog.

Therefore, here I would like to give the most detailed information on how to choose the right blood pressure monitor for yourself and your loved ones, so that later it would not be excruciatingly painful for the money thrown to the wind.

What will this conversation be about?

First, we will analyze what blood pressure monitors are and how they work.

Second, let's think about eternal question customers "Which blood pressure monitor is better?"

Thirdly, let's think about what questions you need to ask a buyer who wants to buy a tonometer.

Fourth, let's remember how to measure blood pressure correctly.

Fifthly, we will analyze the most frequent questions of buyers and decide how to answer them.

Well, are you ready?

Then let's get started.

What are tonometers?

Look at this diagram:

So, all blood pressure monitors are divided into mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic.

The latter are on the shoulder and on the wrist.

A long time ago there was still a mercury tonometer, which was the most accurate, because, as you know, blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury.

These are the same millimeters he showed.

We used to have one like this at home. After the first heart attack, the doctors strictly ordered dad to measure his blood pressure regularly, and mom somewhere got a device with the beautiful name “Riva-Rocci mercury sphygmomanometer” (this is the name of the Italian doctor who invented it).

When my sister and I were studying in medical institute, the very first thing we learned to do from medical manipulations- measure pressure, because we had regular home practice.

But this device was not safe. I remember that we accidentally crushed the glass column of the device, closing it incorrectly, and droplets of mercury escaped. So mom had to get another one.

The mercury ones were replaced by mechanical tonometers.

First, they are more compact. Secondly, safe. And thirdly, they are as accurate as their progenitor.

In a mechanical tonometer, everything has to be done by the person measuring: both inflate the cuff and deflate it, noting the number on the pressure gauge scale when the pulsation begins (this is systolic pressure), and the number when it stops (this is diastolic pressure).

The principle of operation of a mechanical tonometer

When the air pressure in the cuff becomes higher than the blood pressure in the vessels, the blood flow in the brachial artery stops. We do not hear any tones in the stethoscope tube.

Then, when the air descends, the lumen of the artery opens slightly, the blood flow is restored, and Korotkoff sounds appear in the tube.

After a few seconds, the air pressure in the cuff drops so much that the artery is fully opened and the murmurs disappear.

Korotkov Nikolai Sergeevich is a Russian surgeon who, at the beginning of the 20th century, was the first to invent an auscultatory method for measuring blood pressure, that is, by listening with a stethoscope. Previously, this was done by palpation (with the help of fingers - as we feel the pulse).

Semi-automatic blood pressure monitors

In these devices, the pressure, as in mechanical ones, is pumped with a pear. But then the tonometer does everything by itself: it releases air and displays the result on the screen.

Automatic blood pressure monitors

Well, you don't need to do anything in these devices yourself. No, I'm lying. Need.

Click on the big button. And that's it!

The automatic blood pressure monitor will do the rest of the work for the person: it will pump air into the cuff, deflate it, and show the result.

The principle of operation of semi-automatic and automatic blood pressure monitors

These instruments use the oscillometric method for measuring pressure.

Fluctuations (oscillations) in blood pressure in the artery of the arm, which occur when air is released, cause air oscillations in the cuff put on the arm, which is recorded by a special sensor of the device and then processed by the built-in microprocessor.

What is the best tonometer?

What do you think, friends?

When I hear in a pharmacy that some visitor asks for a mechanical blood pressure monitor, because the attending physician said so, I really want to see him. Allegedly, only such a tonometer is accurate, and all the electronics are lying.

A few years ago, I was on training at Omron, and of course, we were also interested in this issue. We conducted an experiment: one and the same colleague measured the pressure with the help of an automatic device and with the help of a mechanical one. The result was, as they say, a tyutelka in a tyutelka.

Why did the results match?

Because:

Measuring blood pressure with a mechanical sphygmomanometer is a medical procedure!!!

In that training, I learned amazing thing: it turns out that in Japan for half a year they teach doctors how to measure blood pressure. Can you imagine? HALF A YEAR!

And in our country, every granny of 70-80 years old believes that there is nothing complicated in this.

If I had my way, I would release mechanical blood pressure monitors only after presenting a diploma from a medical school.

And that's why.

Once a study was conducted among ordinary people, never doctors, who measured their pressure with a mechanical tonometer. It turned out that 75% such measurers were incorrectly identified by Korotkov's tones.

And it’s okay if another person measures the pressure with such a tonometer. But people manage to measure themselves! And one pumping of a pear increases the pressure by 10-15 mm Hg!

In addition, let's not forget that older people have vision and hearing problems. Didn't see it, didn't hear it.

It also happens that the pressure gauge was lying on the table, and was not attached to the cuff, and this also distorted the results.

Or the measurer bled air too quickly and did not catch the first and last digits.

Some people, when measuring pressure, are guided not by tones, but by the fluctuations of the pressure gauge needle. But this is wrong!

Among other things, when the filling of the pulse is weak, and this often happens in the elderly, there can be complete silence in the tube. And then the person is frightened, and his pressure rises even more.

So I'll list...

9 reasons why I do not advise non-medical people to buy a mechanical blood pressure monitor:

1. A specially trained person should measure the pressure with a mechanical tonometer.

2. 75% of measurers incorrectly determine the pressure.

3. Decreased hearing and vision increase the likelihood of error.

4. Measurement of pressure to oneself increases it by 10-15 mm Hg. Art.

5. Incorrect gauge position increases the chance of error.

6. Excessive inflation of the cuff and rapid deflation will affect the correct result.

7. With a weak filling of the pulse, the tones in the tube are not audible.

8. Repeated pumping of air into the cuff during the measurement process, in order to catch the first and last tones, greatly distorts the result.

9. Few people know that a mechanical tonometer must be calibrated annually (adjusted to a standard) at a service center.

You say, so what, do not sell them, or what?

Of course, to sell: to doctors even in the case when none of your arguments convinced the buyer.

What about automatics and semi-automatics?

Buyers are always interested in the question of how accurate electronic blood pressure monitors?

Their error is only 3-5 mm Hg. This number is not significant at all.

They are designed specifically for home use by people without a medical background.

If we compare automatic and semi-automatic machines, let's reason logically.

1. A person also inflates the bulb of a semiautomatic device on his own, which means that this is again physical activity, which can affect the result of the measurement.
2. If we talk about a very elderly person, then it’s hard for him to work with a pear: the muscle strength is no longer the same. Isn't it easier to get him a really light and easy-to-use device? I mean automatic.

As you can see, I'm for automata. For a long time I myself use only automatic devices. And I have two of them: AND and Omron. And both have been working for 100 and 1 year, and I have no complaints about either one or the other.

The only thing that deters some buyers from buying a machine is the price (except for the opinion of their doctor, which I have already mentioned above).

But five(for Omron) and ten(for AND) years of warranty speak for themselves. And, as a rule, these devices last much longer.

Divide the price of the tonometer by the warranty period, and it turns out that a person spends mere pennies on himself per month. Carry out these calculations together with the buyer.

About blood pressure monitors on the wrist

A few more words about blood pressure monitors on the wrist.

At the same training that I mentioned, we were very interested in the issue of the accuracy of blood pressure monitors on the wrist.

Omron believes that wrist blood pressure monitors are as accurate as upper arms and can be recommended regardless of age.

And then we also followed the principle of “trust, but verify” and measured the pressure of the same person with shoulder and carpal tonometers. The result was again the same.

But, nevertheless, after working for 9 years in pharmacies, I realized that it is better to offer wrist devices to people up to about 40 years old. And that's why:

1. With age, the vessels wear out, and the vessels of the wrist are faster because they are thin. The elasticity of their walls decreases. And for an accurate measurement, they need to be in good condition. The brachial artery is more enduring in this regard, which means that it is better suited for capturing oscillations (oscillations).
2. In an elderly person, various microtraumas in the area of ​​the wrist joint (sprains, bruises, etc.) can “accumulate” during their life. This is a contraindication to the use of wrist devices.
3. With aging, various joint deformities occur, “bones” appear, which leads to incorrect application of the cuff of the device.

Did you expect me to tell you about the notorious atherosclerosis? I will not say, because atherosclerosis affects large and medium-sized arteries. Carpals are not one of them.

Now we will analyze what questions a buyer should ask when buying a tonometer.

1. Who are you taking for? We ask in order to understand for a person of what age the device is purchased. If for a person of young and middle age - you can offer both shoulder and carpal. If for the elderly - only the shoulder.
2. Are there irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)? If “yes” or “don’t know”, then we offer only with the smart measurement function. If not, then any.
3. If they don’t take it for themselves, we ask, is the person’s hand full? If a person finds it difficult to answer, we offer a tonometer with a universal cuff. If for ourselves, we immediately figure out, according to the person’s complexion, which cuff is needed here.
4. How many people will use the tonometer? If two, we offer with memory for two.
5. If you have a relatively young person in front of you, ask where do you plan to use it? Houses? Traveling? For trips, compact models such as wrist or small semi-automatic devices are better suited.
6. Is it important for you to remember the date and time of the measurement? If yes, choose models with fixation of the date and time of measurement.

I didn’t write about “memory”, since this function is available in most modern blood pressure monitors.

These are basic questions.

You can download this algorithm by clicking on the picture:

What is the smart pressure measurement function?

The function of intelligent pressure measurement is probably provided now in tonometers of any trademark.

It means that with each pressure measurement, the device itself determines the optimal level of air injection. It measures pressure already in the process of air injection, analyzes the pulse wave in detail and, in case of arrhythmia, selects the fragment with the most stable pulsation so that the measurement result is as accurate as possible.

How to measure pressure correctly?

Here's how it should ideally be:

Below you see a very useful table. To download it as a Word file, click on it.

I advise you to print it, and even better, laminate it and show it to the buyer.

Very important!

When you measure the pressure of a customer in a pharmacy, tell him that you are now only checking the operation of the device and explaining how to use it.

You don't measure blood pressure! Since there are many factors that affect pressure figures.

This way you prevent objections:

- The device is lying.

I don't have that kind of pressure.

- Why so high?

I believe that the measurement should not be carried out on oneself, as many pharmacy employees do, but on the buyer.

1. Firstly, due to the characteristics of cardiovascular disease, the tonometer can constantly give an error, and by checking the operation of the device on the buyer, you will understand whether this model suits him or not.
2. Secondly, you will see if the cuff is too small.
3. When the pressure is measured on the buyer, he is already mentally “related” to it and imagines how he will use it at home. Therefore, such a sale is easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. On which arm should blood pressure be measured?

First you need to determine if there is a difference between the pressure readings on both hands. If it is not more than 10 mm Hg. Art., can be measured on any. It will be convenient for right-handers to measure on the left hand, for left-handers - on the right.

But first you need to take a few measurements on both hands.

If the difference exceeds 10 mmHg, the measurement should be on the arm with the higher numbers.

2. Why is the pressure on both hands so different?

This is possible with serious vascular pathology: narrowing, plaques, blood clots.

Go to the doctor and get tested!

3. Why how many times I measure pressure, the tonometer shows different numbers?

Because pressure is not a constant value. We talked, sat down, got up, walked around, ate, got nervous - all this is reflected in the pressure.

That is why doctors recommend taking three measurements with an interval of 2-3 minutes and taking the average value. Many modern blood pressure monitors have such a function: the device itself calculates the average pressure. It is very important, if you measure pressure 3 times in a row, to take this 2-3 minute break between measurements. Vessels should rest from squeezing and recover. Otherwise, the results will be incorrect.

4. Why, when a doctor measures my blood pressure, do I have different numbers?

Because in the clinic it is impossible to create conditions for the correct measurement of pressure (see above). At the doctor's appointment, you are, one way or another, nervous. There is even such a term: “white coat syndrome”. Therefore, more accurate measurements of blood pressure are in a calm home environment.

5. Are more expensive blood pressure monitors (within the same brand) more accurate?

No. All of them are accurate, and their price depends on the set of additional functions.

6. Why is a Japanese blood pressure monitor made in China?

Because the labor force is cheap in this country. If it were collected in Japan, it would cost twice as much. There is a huge difference between artisanal Chinese production and factory production. The assembly of tonometers takes place under the strict control of Japanese specialists. The quality of the tonometers is evidenced by the certificates of the Ministry of Health and the State Standard. And the service life of the devices reaches 20 years.

I will wrap up on this.

How did you like this article, friends?

Probably missed something. It's a very broad topic.

If you have something to add, add it!

Have questions, ask!

If there were difficult cases on this topic, tell us!

And lastly, I'll ask...

And finally, I invite you to think and answer these questions:

1. What should be done/said to the buyer in order to, if possible, insure himself against returning the tonometer?

2. In which case do you offer semi-automatic?

3. What is special about the cuff of Omron blood pressure monitors? What is the benefit for the user?

4. In what case will you offer the buyer a tonometer with the "Talking Assistant" function?

5. What is the meaning of the additional options "calendar" and "clock" in some models of blood pressure monitors?

6. Does the man in the main picture for this article measure the pressure correctly? 🙂

You can download tables for Omron and AND blood pressure monitors by clicking on the pictures below.

Tonometers AND:

Omron blood pressure monitors:

I got very impressive tables on them, you can remove from them those models that you do not have and, most likely, will not have. It will be easier for you to print them.

And look at the tabs below: automatic, semi-automatic, wrist.

I think that the article will be of interest not only to pharmacists, but also to all people who have a heart and blood vessels. 🙂

So do not take it for work, click on the social buttons. networks that you see below, share a link to this article with your friends and family.

And I say goodbye to you until we meet again on the blog ""!

With love to you, Marina Kuznetsova

P.S. I give a complete algorithm for selling a tonometer in my book “The ABC of Pharmacy Sales”. Details

From this article you will learn: how to measure pressure with an electronic tonometer in order to get a reliable measurement result. Frequent measurement errors.

Article publication date: 12/29/2016

Date of article update: 05/25/2019

Compared to mechanical blood pressure monitors, electronic ones can more often show false data. They are more sensitive, and the main reasons wrong results caused by violation of the measurement rules. Therefore, it is important to comply with absolutely all the requirements for the tonometry technique with an electronic tonometer - we will analyze them later in the article.

Measuring blood pressure with an electronic tonometer

Rules for measuring pressure with an electronic tonometer

Here is the correct course of action:

1. Prepare for the study: it is advisable to conduct it after you rest (sit quietly) for 5 minutes. This requirement can be neglected if the patient's condition requires emergency medical care.
2. If a person undergoing tonometry with an electronic tonometer smoked or drank coffee 1-2 hours before the study, the pressure readings may be overestimated.
3. Sit or seat the subject on a chair with a back, make sure that the body position is correct - the back is relaxed with support on the back of the chair, the legs are lowered, not tense and not crossed.
4. Release your left or right shoulder from clothing. Make sure that it does not cause compression and does not interfere with the application of the cuff. Ideally, the measurement should be taken on both hands. Of course, if you are right-handed, it will be more convenient to do this on your left hand. But if the pressure difference on the left and right exceeds 10 mm Hg, it is better to measure on the arm on which the indicators are higher.
5. Place your hand on a support (for example, on a table) so that it is bent at the elbow, lying on the surface of the support with the extensor surface of the forearm and completely relaxed.
6. Take an electronic blood pressure monitor, make sure that there is no obvious damage to the device, kinks and kinks in the hose.
7. Unfasten the cuff and, using a circular wrap, put it on your shoulder so that it is located 2 cm higher above the elbow bend, the pneumatic hose leading to the device faces the hand, is located in the center of the cubital fossa (along the imaginary line connecting it with middle finger).
8. If there is a mark on the cuff, make sure that it is located in the middle part of the inner surface of the upper arm.
9. Press the power button on the machine.
10. Wait for the automatic inflation and exhaust air to take place. Do nothing during this time.
11. Numbers will appear on the electronic display of the device - the upper one displays systolic pressure, the lower one - diastolic. Most of the devices also show the pulse rate, the indicator of which is located below the rest. In this case, the numbers will be located above the pulse (middle column).
12. Press the button, turn off the device and wait for the automatic shutdown.
13. Remove the cuff - the measurement is completed.

Features of measurement by a semi-automatic electronic tonometer

A semi-automatic tonometer is a device that independently determines the numbers of blood pressure, but you need to pump the air yourself with a pear. According to some reports, its results are more reliable than a fully automatic device. In general, you need to measure according to the same algorithm, the differences are only in such moments:

• After you have put the cuff on your upper arm correctly, turn on the blood pressure monitor by pressing the start button on its body.
• Take the rubber bulb of the device in your free hand and inflate the cuff to a level of 20–30 mmHg. Art. higher than the usual or expected pressure. If you do not know these numbers, you can blow air up to 200 mm Hg. st., it will not be a mistake.
• After forcing the desired pressure in the cuff, press the button near the pear so that the air slowly begins to leave it. At this time, the device will determine the pressure itself.
• The results will appear on the digital display, similar to the numbers described in the section "Rules for measuring with an automatic electronic tonometer - point 11".
• To complete the procedure, once again press the start button of the device and the button near the pear, remove the cuff.

Common mistakes

Typical errors distorting results:

1. Failure to comply with the requirements for taking measurements in a state of complete physical and psycho-emotional rest is a false overestimation of the device.
2. The arm on which the cuff is worn is tense or is located on weight.
3. The cuff is worn over the garment.
4. The shoulder is incorrectly released from clothing - it squeezes the tissues, the cuff grabs its edge.
5. High or too low position of the cuff in relation to the antecubital fossa.
6. The device is turned on before applying the cuff.
7. Incorrect position of the hoses (along the outer surface of the shoulder) or mismatch of the mark on the cuff in the middle of the inner surface of the shoulder.
8. Too tight or, on the contrary, too weak fit of the cuff to the shoulder.
9. Conversation or any tension during the measurement.
10. A pause of 1-2 minutes between several changes on one hand was not maintained.

If you have any doubts about the results of measuring pressure with an electronic tonometer (the indicators do not correspond to your well-being), be sure to take a control measurement with a classic mechanical tonometer!

• If you constantly measure blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor, keep a record of the indicators of each study, noting the date, time and value of the indicators.
• Be sure to periodically check the pressure with a mechanical tonometer. It is better that this is done by a specialist (preferably the attending physician).
• If the indicators of a mechanical and electronic tonometer differ, you must trust the first one.
• For greater reliability, it is better to measure the pressure several times on both hands during one session, pause for 1-2 minutes between changes.
• The results of three measurements are considered reliable, the difference between which does not exceed 5 mm Hg. Art.

Why does the tonometer show different pressure? This is often asked by users when buying a new electronic device. And it also happens that it shows different blood pressure (BP), if you measure it several times in a row. It turns out that there are many reasons for this.

Tonometers are special medical devices that measure blood or eye pressure. In the latter case, the device is called a pneumotonometer. Such devices are an indispensable attribute of doctors. However, today many people, especially those suffering from hypertension and heart disease, successfully use devices for measuring blood pressure at home. A tonometer is even recommended for them, because patients should always keep their pressure under control in order to avoid complications caused by an increase in blood pressure.
The tonometer readings are recorded as two measurements, for example, 120/80 mm Hg. Art. What do these numbers mean? This is a different pressure created in each of the two phases of the heart. The first reading is the highest blood pressure pumped by the heart. In our example, this is 120 - it is called systolic. The second reading is the minimum. It is observed in diastole, when the heart relaxes, fills with blood, then to push it out. This “lower” pressure is referred to as diastolic.

The device does not show pressure

Tonometer shows different pressure

The automatic blood pressure monitor responds to such factors:

The sensitive sensor reacts even to the movement of air. Be calm, don't talk, keep your back straight. The cuff of the tonometer, fixed on the arm, should be at the level of the heart. If you remove all the interference, follow the instructions, the result will be correct.
If you need to get a more accurate result, you can take measurements three times with the necessary break between them. After that, it is important to derive the arithmetic mean. It must be remembered: the first indicator and the last may differ due to the artery getting used to compression or any involuntary movement, so triple measurements will give more accurate data.
It must be remembered that a decrease, as well as an increase in pressure beyond the norm, is an alarm signal. It is necessary to find out the reason by contacting a cardiologist.

Very often, blood pressure monitors may not give out at all or show an incorrect result, as well as show different pressure for various technical reasons:
forgot to insert batteries;the device is not used correctly;
low-quality batteries that quickly fail.
In order for electronic blood pressure monitors to work well, it is necessary to change the batteries on time. It is advisable to use only alkaline (ALKALINE) LR batteries for blood pressure monitors. They are more energy intensive and guarantee a long service life, which is from 200 to 400 measurement cycles. Here, the word cycle means 2-3 times a day. Batteries LR, regardless of the manufacturer, will ensure the operation of the tonometer for 4-6 months.
When the tonometer is turned on, the display is tested, and if the device showed a symbol that indicates insufficient power, this means that the batteries are low - it's time to take care of new batteries.
In addition to errors associated with the measurement of blood pressure by the device, and technical reasons, different pressures can be quite physiological. It is worth remembering that active movements, transferred loads, even sneezing and coughing increase blood pressure. This is a natural reaction and does not require medication. Blood pressure rises for a short time, and if you repeat the measurements a little later, the indicators will drop significantly.

Automatic blood pressure monitors are in demand for frequent measurement of blood pressure in the elderly. But often the devices fail to work.

The most common question from users: why does the tonometer pump air a second time. This situation often occurs for no apparent reason. Consider the features of the automatic device and understand the problem.

About the principle of operation of an automatic tonometer

In work automatic blood pressure monitor the oscillometric method is laid down, which allows you to quickly and accurately measure pressure indicators. The method was introduced back in 1876 and consists in determining the oscillations in the cuff of the device. Fluctuations occur due to the passage of blood through the squeezed area. It is formed as a result of pumping air into the cuff when it is properly positioned.

Automatic blood pressure monitor

The advantage of the oscillometric method lies in the possibility of reducing the influence external factors. The result is a much more accurate measurement.

The basis of the automatic tonometer is the same principle as in other types of devices. With the only difference in the distribution of vibrations by a specially designed automatic system. The clamped area determines the blood flow with its main indicators, which are converted into numerical values ​​on the tonometer display.

The principle of operation of the device

An automatic blood pressure monitor is convenient in that it is not necessary to inflate the cuffs for measurement. But due to simplicity, frequent breakdowns of the device occur, one of which is re-inflation, which occurs after deflation and the beginning of the conversion of the blood flow into numerical values.

Why does the tonometer pump air a second time after partial blowing?

Often the device begins to take air again after a partial descent due to improper operation of the device. The reason may be as follows:

• the arm on which the cuff is worn is on weight;
• the cuff is incorrectly positioned in relation to the cubital fossa - too high or low;
• the bracelet was incorrectly positioned - the hose was knocked off the mark, which should be on the inner surface of the shoulder;
• too weak fit of the cuff to the skin;
• the man whose blood pressure is being measured moved his arm sharply.

In all cases, the reason for the redialing is determined by a weak probing of the flow of blood in the veins. As a result, the automatic device takes the situation for its own mistake and begins to correct it by pumping air a second time.

Dangerous is the reason for re-pumping air, which consists in high blood pressure. The principle of operation of the automatic system of the device is that at first the device pumps air in accordance with the standards of indicators. As a rule, for a person it is 120/80 mm Hg. For accurate measurement, the system pumps the sleeve up to a maximum of 170-180 mm Hg for the upper indicator. If a person has high blood pressure, the device has to pump air again to make an accurate measurement.

How to troubleshoot?

The bracelet-type tonometer often pumps air a second time

An automatic blood pressure monitor is sensitive to any fluctuations, so you should be especially careful when measuring pressure. Comply with all the conditions and recommendations specified in the instructions should be those who carry out the measurement on their own. In this case, the following rules must be observed:

Instructions for correct measurement

• sit comfortably in a chair, leaning on the back;
• hold the arm so that the cuff is at the level of the heart;
• it is impossible to support the cuff with the second hand;
• you can not strain your wrist or hand;
• the wrist should be on the same straight line with the hand;
• you can not clamp your hand into a fist;
• it is not recommended to move at the time of measuring pressure and even talk;
• place a hand with a cuff over the stomach, you can put it on the table in front of you;
• the cuff should be 3-4 cm above the ulnar socket of the joint;
• the hose should be in the middle of the cubital hole;
• the cuff is gently tightened on the arm, with partial compression.

Correct location

Any extraneous movements can distort the indicators, as a result of which pumping up a second time often occurs. If blood pressure measurement is carried out with a bracelet-type device, then it is necessary to follow the rules and recommendations specified in the instructions.

Re-inflating the blood pressure monitor is not a serious malfunction in the device, but may indicate significant health problems. To achieve the correct result, it is recommended to measure the pressure several times and take the average value.