Why does an electronic blood pressure monitor show different results. Why automatic blood pressure monitors show different pressure

When choosing measuring instruments for home use, it is best to give preference to trusted manufacturers. Many devices of unknown origin have big drawbacks - inaccurate results and a short service life. The Omron R2 tonometer has passed all the necessary quality checks and has the appropriate certificates. The compact measuring instrument will become good helper for people who need constant monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate both at home and on trips.

The fully automatic device is made in a modern design, has a compact size and a set of many useful functions. A tonometer is designed to measure the pulse and blood pressure.

The cuff is anatomical, made using a unique technology. Superimposed on the wrist with a circumference of 13.5 to 21.5 cm. Warranty from the manufacturer - 60 months. The full technical characteristics and complete set of the tonometer can be found in the table:

Error correction

In the process of using the tonometer, errors are possible. Some of them you can fix yourself. If this does not work out for any reason, it is highly not recommended to disassemble the device yourself.

Firstly, without knowledge of the features of this device, you can only aggravate the situation. Secondly, after opening the tonometer and damaging the factory seals, the free warranty period of service is automatically canceled.

The table shows the most common errors and how to fix them.

Note. During the day, blood pressure readings can change. As a rule, this is not related to the operation of the device. The change in blood pressure depends on the time of day, weather events, as well as the physical and moral condition of a person.

Storage and care

If you do not follow the rules for storing the tonometer and caring for it, then the device is unlikely to last a long time. The more carefully you follow all the recommended measures, the longer the measuring device will last.

1. Do not expose the tonometer to shocks, drops and long exposure to direct sunlight.
2. Do not immerse the device in water, do not give it to children.
3. If the tonometer is not used for a long time, then it is necessary to remove the batteries from it.
4. To prevent damage to the monitor and cuff, store the device in a special case.

If the device or cuff is dirty, do not use alcohol-based products, solvents, alkaline liquids, etc. to clean it. It is best to wipe the monitor and cuff with a soft cloth (slightly damp).

If you do not follow the basic rules for using a tonometer, you can get completely different results. Before measuring, you need to rest a little, do not move, do not talk.

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.

These 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

Why does the tonometer not show pressure? Unfortunately, this happens very often. Most likely, this is the reason for the inability to use the device. You should carefully study the instructions for use or consult a doctor.

Tonometers for home use are different (mechanical or electronic), but they are all designed for self-checking blood pressure.

Tonometer shows different pressure

There are situations when tonometers show different pressure. This may be due to the peculiarity of the device itself, with the time of day, and also its readings are highly dependent on its incorrect use or non-compliance with the instructions.

For example, after a walk in the fresh air, a tonometer will show a higher pressure for any person than after 5 or 10 minutes of rest. This is normal, even doctors suggest that the patient sit quietly before measuring pressure.

It must be remembered: after exercise, blood pressure is always increased, and according to the rules, it is measured at rest.

If you take measurements several times in a row, the tonometer may show different pressures. This is due to the fact that after the first check, the vessel walls squeezed by the device did not have time to recover, the blood flow is still difficult. In this regard, it is recommended to re-measure only after 3-5 minutes. It should be borne in mind that for some people, especially in the elderly, it takes 10-15 minutes to restore blood vessels.

Very often people ask why there is a difference in values ​​between electronic and mechanical tonometer. On the first one, they are 15–20 mm Hg higher. Art. even with parallel measurement of blood pressure. The explanation is simple: the electronic device is too sensitive to many changes. The automatic blood pressure monitor responds to such factors:

• third-party interference, even air movement;
• muscle tension, imperceptible movement of the arm or body;
• emotional condition.

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, the result will be correct.

Do not be afraid to buy electronic blood pressure monitors: all of them, regardless of the manufacturer, have high accuracy, and the errors do not exceed ± 3 mm Hg. Art.

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.

Tonometer shows different pressure for technical reasons

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 the errors associated with the measurement of blood pressure by the device, and technical reasons, different pressure 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.

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 electronic blood pressure monitor, make sure that there is no obvious damage to the device, kinks or 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 mm Hg. 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.

A tonometer is a medical device designed to determine blood pressure (BP), the value of which says a lot about the state of the body.

mechanical as well as electronic semi-automatic and automatic devices are used.

Previously, the main devices were mercury. The cuffs of blood pressure monitors in the process of measuring blood pressure can be located on the wrist or forearm. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). But what to do if the tonometer does not show pressure, or gives different indicators? And how to check the tonometer for accuracy?

Norms

To estimate blood pressure, you need to know the initial data, which look like this:

1. lowered Blood pressure is considered in cases where the upper indicator is 100-110, and the lower one is 70-60 mm Hg. Art.;
2. optimal- 120/80 mm Hg. Art.;
3. slightly elevated- 130-139 / 85-89 mm Hg. Art.;
4. high- 140/90 mm Hg. Art.

With age, blood pressure, as a rule, changes upward due to changes in vascular throughput.

Normal pressure is considered at the following values:

• in 16 - 20 year olds- 100-120 / 70-80 mm Hg. Art.;
• in 20-40 year olds- 120-130 / 70-80 mm Hg. Art.;
• in 40 - 60 year olds- less than 140/90 mm Hg. Art.;
• over 60 years old- less than 150/90 mm Hg. Art.

For the correct determination of blood pressure, the following rules must be observed:

• at least 5 minutes the patient should be in a calm and comfortable environment;
• an hour before the procedure, he should not eat, drink coffee or tea, or smoke;
• his bladder does not have to be complete;
• after physical labor and emotional outbursts, you need to wait at least an hour;
• during the measurement, do not talk, sit straight and have support under your back;
• do not cross your legs so as not to pinch large vessels and not interfere with the flow of blood;
• the cuff should not hang out or pinch the arm tightly;
• The cuff should be at heart level and two centimeters above the elbow.

Violation of the elementary conditions for measuring blood pressure leads to erroneous values. The error can reach 20-25 mm Hg. Art.

Users sometimes encounter situations where the tonometer does not show pressure. The reasons that the tonometer does not show pressure can only be found out by a specialist, how to answer certain questions regarding the operation of the device.

Tonometer shows different pressure

If you can put up with the difference in the readings of the device after measuring blood pressure at long intervals, explaining them by different conditions under which measurements are taken (time of day, physical state person, etc.), then the discrepancy between the results when measured after 5-7 minutes makes you think.

Meanwhile, there are reasons for this.

Errors can occur due to the characteristics of the device itself, its improper use, measurements with different devices, the position of the cuff relative to the heart, the state of the power supply of the electronic device, physiological characteristics body (vessels are located deep, large body fat, low elasticity of blood vessels, etc.), as well as the posture of the patient and his behavior during the procedure.

The readings also change due to the fact that the walls of the blood vessel, squeezed by the cuff during the previous measurement of blood pressure, adapt to decompression and do not have time to return to their original state, which affects the blood flow and its parameters.

If in young people the restoration of arteries occurs in a few minutes, then in the elderly this time increases to 10-15 minutes.

Therefore, blood pressure measurements must be carried out strictly according to the instructions, with one device, and also taking into account age, and keeping calm while waiting for a second procedure.

The most accurate results are obtained after three measurements at set intervals and averaging the instrument readings.

Why does the tonometer take off when measuring pressure?

Sometimes in the process of measuring blood pressure, a sharp zeroing of the tonometer readings occurs. The reasons for this are:

• failure of the device;
• failure (error) of the oscillometric method of measurement, which is the basis for the operation of the vast majority of electronic semi-automatic and automatic tonometers;
• involuntary movement of the arm, on which the cuff of the electronic device is fixed, the operation of which is based on the oscillometric method of measurement;
• arrhythmia, when the heart works irregularly, and the time interval between individual “beats” may not be enough to trigger the electronic tonometer sensor;
• characteristics of the patient's body, as mentioned above.

Regardless of the type of tonometer used, if there is any doubt about the accuracy of its operation, it is necessary to contact the metrological laboratory for verification. All sold devices undergo such control during pre-sale preparation.

The oscillometric principle of measuring blood pressure is associated with the pressure in the cuff, which changes during the pulse push and its absence. Under the influence of this pressure, the volume of the limb under the cuff changes, which is detected by the sensor located in it.

The signal from the sensor enters the "brain" of the device, where it is processed and converted into visible numbers that tell us about the actual blood pressure. Since this method is associated with the pulse, then its value is also given by the device. The movements of the patient or his arm, on which the measurement is carried out, affect the pressure in the cuff, which affects the operation of the device and the accuracy of its readings.

The principle of measuring blood pressure according to Korotkov (auscultatory method)

Such a phenomenon is impossible in mechanical devices, the operation of which is based on the auscultatory method of measurement. Its essence lies in listening to the noise associated with the movement of blood. In the process of forcing air into the cuff of the device and bleeding it, noises arise, grow, weaken and disappear, which are captured by the phonendoscope.

The specialist at a certain moment records the readings of the device corresponding to the upper and lower pressure values. He must have good hearing and experience in the use of such a device. The accuracy of measurement largely depends on his abilities.

Why are there different readings when measuring pressure?

The tonometer, like any measuring device, has errors associated with the method underlying its operation.

The accuracy of determining blood pressure is affected by:

• the rate of air pumping into the cavity of the cuff and its bleed;
• the amount of pressure created in the cuff;
• natural fluctuation in blood pressure, which can change quite quickly;
• time between measurements;
• use of different devices;
• measurement on different hands;
• type of cuff and more offset relative to the heart;
• the behavior of the patient during the procedure (talking, sneezing, raising the arm with the cuff and his emotions, changing the position of the body, etc.).

When using a conventional (mechanical) tonometer, the measurement accuracy also depends on the professionalism of the person conducting the procedure, since not everyone is able to catch noises and their changes in a phonendoscope. Especially striking differences in the readings of a mechanical device are observed when the pressure is independently determined.

Here, the applied efforts, the tension of attention and the regulation of the rate of pressure release in the cuff affect. The influence of the human factor is significantly reduced when using an electronic tonometer, which explains its increased accuracy.

Human emotions cannot be discounted. If his first measurement showed an increased (lower) pressure value, then involuntary excitement sets in, which will certainly affect the result of the repeated measurement.

The pressure can rise even at the sight of a person in a white coat taking measurements.

While waiting for the second measurement, the patient calms down, his blood pressure returns to normal, which is shown by the repeated procedure. Related to this is that many people are trying to get rid of non-existent hypertension.

Related videos

Learn more about what the numbers on the tonometer display show in the video:

From the foregoing, it follows that it is necessary to measure blood pressure in a calm home environment, at the same time, and not at medical institutions, where the environment itself contributes to the increase in pressure.

What is Blood pressure - a brief educational program on the site

Blood pressure is the process of squeezing the walls of capillaries, arteries and veins under the influence of blood circulation. Types of blood pressure:

• upper, or systolic;
• lower, or diastolic.

When determining the level of blood pressure, both of these values ​​\u200b\u200bmust be taken into account. The units of its measurement remained the very first - millimeters of a mercury column. This is due to the fact that mercury was used in the old devices to determine the level of blood pressure. Therefore, the BP indicator looks like this: upper blood pressure (for example, 130) / lower blood pressure (for example, 70) mm Hg. Art.

Circumstances that directly affect the range of blood pressure include:

• the level of strength of contractions performed by the heart;
• the proportion of blood pushed out by the heart during each contraction;
• resistance of the walls of blood vessels, which is the flow of blood; the amount of blood circulating in the body;
• pressure fluctuations in chest that are caused by the respiratory process.

Blood pressure levels can change throughout the day and with age. But for most healthy people characterized by stable blood pressure.

Definition of types of blood pressure

Systolic (upper) blood pressure is a characteristic general condition veins, capillaries, arteries, as well as their tone, which is caused by contraction of the heart muscle. It is responsible for the work of the heart, namely, with what force the latter is able to expel blood.

Thus, the level of upper pressure depends on the strength and speed with which heart contractions occur. It is unreasonable to assert that arterial and cardiac pressure is the same concept, since the aorta also participates in its formation.

Lower (diastolic) pressure characterizes the activity of blood vessels. In other words, this is the level of blood pressure at the moment when the heart is maximally relaxed. Lower pressure is formed as a result of contraction peripheral arteries, through which blood enters the organs and tissues of the body. Therefore, the state of blood vessels is responsible for the level of blood pressure - their tone and elasticity.

Each person has an individual blood pressure norm, which may not be associated with any diseases. The level of blood pressure is determined by a number of factors that are of particular importance:

• age and gender of the person;
• personal characteristics;
• life style;
• lifestyle features labor activity, preferred type of vacation, and so on).

More blood pressure tends to increase when performing unusual physical exertion and emotional stress. And if a person constantly performs physical exercise(for example, an athlete), then the level of blood pressure may also change both temporarily and for a long period. For example, when a person is under stress, his blood pressure can rise to thirty mm Hg. Art. from the norm.

However, there are still certain limits of normal blood pressure. And even every ten points of deviation from the norm indicate a violation of the body.

You can also calculate the individual value of blood pressure using the following formulas:

1. For men:

• upper BP \u003d 109 + (0.5 * number of full years) + (0.1 * weight in kg);
• lower BP \u003d 74 + (0.1 * number of full years) + (0.15 * weight in kg).

2. For women:

• upper BP \u003d 102 + (0.7 * number of full years) + 0.15 * weight in kg);
• lower blood pressure \u003d 74 + (0.2 * number of full years) + (0.1 * weight in kg).

The resulting value is rounded to an integer according to the rules of arithmetic. That is, if it turned out to be 120.5, then when rounded it will be 121.

What to do to normalize the pressure?

These tips will help you feel alert all day if you are hypotensive.

1. Don't rush to get out of bed. Wake up - do a little warm-up lying down. Move your arms and legs. Then sit down and stand up slowly. Perform actions without sudden movements. they can cause fainting.
2. Accept cold and hot shower in the morning for 5 minutes. Alternate water - a minute warm, a minute cool. This will help to cheer up and is good for blood vessels.
3. A good cup of coffee! But only a natural tart drink will raise the pressure. Drink no more than 1-2 cups per day. If you have heart problems, drink green tea instead of coffee. It invigorates no worse than coffee, but does not harm the heart.
4. Sign up for a pool. Go at least once a week. Swimming improves vascular tone.
5. Buy a tincture of ginseng. This natural "energy" gives tone to the body. Dissolve 20 drops of tincture in ¼ cup of water. Drink half an hour before meals.
6. Eat sweets. As soon as you feel weak - eat ½ teaspoon of honey or a little dark chocolate. Sweets will drive away fatigue and drowsiness.
7. Drink clean water. Daily 2 liters of pure and non-carbonated. This will help maintain pressure on normal level. If you have diseased heart and kidneys, the drinking regimen should be prescribed by a doctor.
8. get enough sleep. A rested body will work as it should. Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
9. Get a massage. According to experts in oriental medicine, there are special points on the body. By acting on them, you can improve your well-being. Pressure is controlled by the point between the nose and upper lip. Gently massage it with your finger for 2 minutes in a clockwise direction. Do this when you feel weak.

First aid for hypotension and hypertension

If you feel dizzy, severe weakness, tinnitus, call an ambulance. In the meantime, the doctors go, act:

1. Open the collar of your clothes. The neck and chest should be free.
2. Lie down. Lower your head down. Place a small pillow under your feet.
3. Smell ammonia. If it is not available, use table vinegar.
4. Have some tea. Definitely strong and sweet.

If you feel close hypertensive crisis, it is also necessary to call doctors. In general, this disease should always be supported preventive treatment. As first aid measures, you can resort to the following actions:

1. Organize a foot bath with hot water, which is pre-added with mustard. An alternative would be to apply mustard compresses to the area of ​​the heart, back of the head and calves.
2. Lightly bind the right, and then the left arm and leg for half an hour each side. When the tourniquet is applied, a pulse should be felt.
3. Drink a drink from chokeberry. It can be wine, compote, juice. Or eat jam from this berry.

To reduce the risk of occurrence and development of hypotension and hypertension, you should adhere to a regimen healthy eating, prevent the appearance of excess weight, exclude harmful products from the list, move more.

Pressure should be measured from time to time. When observing a trend of high or low blood pressure, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the causes and prescribe treatment. Prescribed therapy may include methods to normalize blood pressure, such as taking special medicines and herbal infusions, dieting, performing a set of exercises, and so on.

Malfunctions in the operation of the tonometer: does not show pressure, takes off, gives different indicators and other problems - tips and tricks on the site

The information on the site is for reference and generalizing, collected from publicly available sources and in no case can be the basis for making a decision on the use in the course of treatment. If in any doubt, contact your doctor.

22.12.2008, 10:43

There are 2 instruments for measuring pressure with digital indication: automatic and semi-automatic.
Sometimes the following happens when measuring pressure.
I inflate the cuff to a pressure higher than the expected pressure, up to about 200.
Then, as expected, the pressure begins to gradually decrease.
After the appearance of a pulse and fixing the upper value of arterial pressure, the pressure in the cuff begins to drop sharply and the device does not record the lower value of pressure. An error symbol appears on the display.
At first I sinned on the device. I thought the valves were bad.
Then I decided to measure the pressure of the bottle. :)
I attached a cuff to it. In this case, the pressure decreased smoothly at the desired rate.
It appears that the devices are working properly.
What is the point then?
And further. I noticed that the phenomenon occurs when I feel bad.

22.12.2008, 16:20

There may be several reasons:
1) malfunction of the tonometer;
2) the error of the oscillometric method. The fact is that approximately 80% of all automatic and semi-automatic devices that measure blood pressure use an oscillometric technique. The error of this method is significantly higher than that of the auscultatory one:
a) when moving the hand;
b) with arrhythmias (this is due to the fact that small oscillations in the cuff (for example, with a short RR interval) may not be detected by the oscillometry sensor and be missed).
Although there are indications that the oscillometric method is more accurate than the auscultatory method in the presence of the Korotkoff phenomenon of “infinite tone” (when the tones disappear at a cuff pressure of 30-40 mm Hg and below), the correct measurement of blood pressure using a mechanical tonometer ensures the validity of the measurement in this phenomenon. In this case (i.e. if Korotkoff sounds are determined at a cuff pressure of 30-40 mm Hg and below, down to 0 mm Hg), unlike the usual measurement of diastolic blood pressure, phase IV is taken into account, corresponding to a sharp muffle tones. In all other cases, to determine diastolic blood pressure, phase V is taken into account, which corresponds to the disappearance of Korotkoff sounds.
Thus, I can recommend checking the correct operation of your blood pressure monitors by comparing them with a mechanical one. You can do this by contacting a person who has the appropriate skills, or do it yourself after reading the rules for measuring blood pressure [Only registered and activated users can see links] and, remembering that if Korotkoff sounds are determined at pressures up to 0 mmHg, for registration of diastolic pressure it is necessary to use the IV phase. It is also advisable to consult a doctor to determine the causes feeling unwell. If a low level diastolic pressure is confirmed, it is necessary to exclude aortic valve insufficiency.
If you are using a wrist BP monitor, remember that it has significant shortcomings. First, this method should not be used in people with atherosclerotic and/or vasospastic disorders, as it may give distorted results. Secondly, it is necessary that during the measurement the hand occupies a certain position (the wrist is strictly at the level of the heart).

22.12.2008, 18:42

The blood pressure monitor is not on my wrist and it is working.
Tested on another person and on a bottle.
The problem is that after pumping up to 200, the pressure gradually starts to drop to my "upper" real value, for example, to 170.
After that, the pressure in the cuff slowly falling to 160-150 suddenly begins to drop sharply at such a rate that the device registers an error and does not give readings.
It's not about the equipment, it's about the body.
For some reason, he only behaves this way when he feels bad.
Why is that?

22.12.2008, 18:54

Have you measured your blood pressure with a mechanical tonometer?

22.12.2008, 19:18

They measured my blood pressure with a mercury sphygmomanometer (with headphones) when a problem arose.
It is measured, but somehow not immediately. I had to pump several times to get a pulse.
When electronic ones work normally without errors, then the difference with mercury is only about 10-12%.
And the main question is this: why, when measuring pressure during poor health, when its upper value is reached, the body sharply relieves pressure in the cuff?
It's in the cuff. As if someone (or something) opens an additional pressure relief valve in the measurement system when the upper pressure is reached. The system normally reports an error.