The pressure measuring device does not work. If the tonometer does not show pressure

When buying a blood pressure monitor for home use, be sure to study the operating instructions for this device in detail. At misuse errors may occur, for example, when the tonometer does not show pressure. Understanding the cause of the malfunction is quite simple if you know the features of measuring pressure with a specific device.

If the tonometer shows different values, it is too early to sound the alarm and blame the device for lying, since the person himself may take the measurement incorrectly. The most common reasons for changing values ​​when re-measurement pressure:

• incorrect cuff placement;
• arrhythmia;
• dead batteries of the tonometer;
• incorrect body position.

Most often, the reason is the incorrect installation of the cuff. For shoulder tonometers, this is not typical, although when the cuff slips, a change in indicators can be observed. This is due to a change in the compression of the artery.

This problem is more typical for carpal tonometers. The narrow cuff should be positioned directly over the radial artery. If it is displaced, rotated or loosely installed, there will be a problem in performance.

Electronic blood pressure monitors, regardless of type, can show different values ​​\u200b\u200bfor arrhythmias. There is only one way to correct the situation - by replacing the device with a device equipped with an arrhythmia indicator. In this case, the device will take a series of measurements and display the average value. With arrhythmia, small discrepancies, by 2-3 mm Hg, are not an error and should not cause concern about a malfunction of the device.

In about half of the cases of an error, the reason is quite banal - it's a weak battery. This problem is typical only for devices that are powered by AA batteries. In the budget segment, often mobile automatic blood pressure monitors are not equipped with a charge indicator, and the battery life is calculated by the number of measurements.

To avoid failures due to weak batteries, it is better to buy a mains-operated blood pressure monitor.

Incorrect body position greatly affects the measurement results. Traditionally, blood pressure is measured in a sitting position. In this case, the arm on which the cuff is installed should be strictly at the level of the heart. This rule is the same for all tonometers - both shoulder and carpal. An electronic tonometer shows different results in different positions. Taking a measurement while lying down leads to an error, which is about 10 mm Hg. If the hand is raised above the level of the heart, the pressure will be approximately 5-7 mm Hg. below. Moreover, the higher the hand is raised, the lower the indicators will be.

Why is the device dropping indicators?

If the tonometers do not show pressure, but begin to drop indicators, the cause should be sought in the malfunction of the device itself or in the characteristics of the patient's state of health. In the first case, we are talking about a serious breakdown, in which the device must be replaced, but not repaired.

Resetting the measurement results may be due to an arrhythmia. This is due to the fact that the device cannot correctly measure due to violations heart rate. If the tonometer is equipped with an arrhythmia indicator, it requires at the software level the need to conduct a series of measurements and display the average blood pressure values. In cheap models, there is no such indicator, so the device simply cannot display the results of the measurements taken. This will lead to the fact that the tonometer will not be able to show the result, it will constantly reset the received data and start the process of air injection into the cuff again.

The answer to the question of why the tonometer does not show pressure, but resets the results, may be hidden in random movements of the hand on which the cuff is installed. In this case, the pressure of the cuff on the artery will be unevenly distributed. The device will not be able to fix the exact measurement result and will simply reset them. Solving such a problem is quite simple - you just need to fix your hand in one position and take a second measurement.

On the monitor of the device, indicators of the arrhythmia indicator and battery charge are visible

Common device failures

To understand why the tonometer shows an error, you should first carefully study the instructions. Usually, error codes are listed in the table in the operating instructions, which allows you to quickly determine the cause of the device malfunction.

Common breakdowns of home devices:

• compressor failure;
• malnutrition;
• failure in the algorithm of the oscillometric method.

If the compressor fails, the tonometer will not work. In this case, a certain error may appear on the screen. If the error code is not displayed on the screen, it is very easy to figure out such a breakdown, since in this case air will not be pumped into the cuff, and it will not compress the artery. In addition to the breakdown of the compressor, such a problem may be associated with a kink and rupture of the hose that connects the cuff to the body of the device.

You also need to inspect the cuff and check for integrity. They, unfortunately, are short-lived, but if the cuff is torn, it will not be difficult to replace it.

Power failure and battery failure is a common reason that the tonometer throws off the pressure measurement results. If the device is powered by batteries, before taking it in for repair, you should replace them. In the event that the problem still remains when changing the batteries, the cause must be sought directly in the contacts of the device that provide power.

Automatic blood pressure monitors can be powered by a rechargeable battery. Such devices are usually equipped with a special charger. If such a battery fails, usually there is no error, but the device simply stops turning on. Diagnostics is needed to solve the problem. The problem may lie in both the failure of the battery and the charger itself.

The operation of an automatic tonometer is based on the oscillometric method of measurement. In case of violations in the operation of this algorithm, errors and errors occur in the measurement. This may be evidenced by both a discrepancy in the measurement results, and a constant reset of indicators and the beginning of a new air injection cycle.

It is important to understand that some breakdowns can lead to a complete failure of the tonometer, while the device will not turn on and respond to any actions. Some breakdowns are quite successfully corrected in the service center, but the device may also not be repairable. It is difficult to understand the reasons for the malfunction of the tonometer, it is better to give the device for troubleshooting to a specialized service center. Also, don't forget about the warranty. If the warranty period has not yet expired, the tonometer can be replaced by contacting a service center.

Errors in the operation of tonometers

Asking the question of what to do with the difference in indicators for hypertension and why the tonometer shows different pressure, many people do not pay attention to the violation of the rules of operation of this device.

The discrepancy in the indicators during the measurement can be caused by:

• too narrow or wide cuff;
• incorrect installation of the cuff;
• incorrect body position when measuring pressure;
• too frequent measurements.

If everything is simple enough with the problems of choosing and installing a cuff, the problems of too frequent measurements should be considered in more detail. Many people make the mistake of taking a series of pressure measurements without interruption in an attempt to get the most accurate result.

Cardiologists warn that blood pressure should be measured no more than once every 15 minutes. When re-measured after 1-2 minutes, there may be a significant discrepancy in the results. Sometimes the difference can reach 30-40 mm Hg. This is due to the fact that after the first procedure, the artery on which the cuff presses adapts to the changed conditions. When recompressed, the pressure data will be distorted due to the adaptation of the body to the air pressure in the cuff.

How to check the tonometer for accuracy?

It is recommended to do an initial check of measurement accuracy at the time of purchase. To do this, you can measure the pressure with the selected device, and then repeat the measurement after a while using mechanical tonometer. It is the mechanical models, when working with which a phonendoscope is used, that are considered the most accurate. This will allow you to identify possible discrepancies and inaccuracies.

Another method, more reliable, is to connect two pressure measuring devices to the cuff at once. Both devices will record the indicator at the same moment. Then the data should be compared and a conclusion about possible errors should be made. To get the most accurate information, you should use a blood pressure monitor and a reference device that was calibrated by the master.

Each tonometer can be customized. This procedure is called calibration and is carried out only by a specialist. As a result of the adjustment, the buyer will receive a guaranteed accurate device that will not distort the results. There are only two downsides to this approach. The first is the high cost of setting, which can exceed the price of the tonometer itself. The second disadvantage is the lack of specialists. You can calibrate the tonometer only in specialized medical equipment stores, while setting up the device will take a lot of time.

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

The operation of the automatic tonometer is based on the oscillometric method, 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 increased 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.

Arrhythmia manifests itself due to the influence of external factors or internal failures. Attacks of sinus tachycardia or moderate bradycardia often resolve on their own and do not require special intervention. The situation is more complicated when a person suffers from atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation). This form of failure can lead to death due to serious violations of hemodynamics (blood flow). A tonometer will help identify the problem. It is a device for measuring blood pressure. There is a device mechanical, automatic and semi-automatic. Only the last 2 varieties can independently determine the presence of a malfunction in the heartbeat. The patient will have to find out what the arrhythmia indicator on the tonometer is and when to see a doctor. The machine will do the rest for him.

Even a good but outdated electronic blood pressure monitor can show incorrect values ​​when it comes to people with arrhythmia. There is a problem with the lack of a built-in indication of a failure in the heartbeat. Such fluctuations distort the final result. To avoid problems, scientists have implemented arrhythmia detection in many modern blood pressure monitors. Mechanical devices were deprived of this possibility. In the case of them, people have to determine the failure in the heartbeat using a phonendoscope.

Violation of the pulse or the sequence of contractions, the latest devices can show almost immediately. Understanding what the arrhythmia icon looks like on a semi-automatic or automatic blood pressure monitor is quite simple. The instruction will help in this, which describes all its functions, including appearance indicators. For most models, a heartbeat failure is displayed as a heart at the bottom of the screen.

What to do if the tonometer shows arrhythmia?

• If the indicator flashes quickly, then it is advisable for a person to undergo an electrocardiography (ECG) and consult a doctor.
• A single case may mean that an incorrect result has been obtained. The patient must once again measure.

Arrhythmia on a new generation tonometer is displayed according to the algorithm below:

• several measurements are performed, between which there is a pause;
• if 2 results are found without failure, the process stops;
• the average heart rate is displayed on the screen;
• a sign lights up from below that an arrhythmia has been detected.

Modern devices are able to distinguish significant failures from violations caused by external stimuli. Their detection may indicate the development of severe pathologies of the heart, so you need to urgently consult a specialist. He will find out why the symbol on the device is constantly lit by assigning instrumental methods diagnostics. According to their results, a treatment plan will be drawn up.

Features of choosing a device with a built-in arrhythmia indicator

It is important for people suffering from heart disease to find out which tonometer is best for arrhythmia, as it is a common concomitant symptom. Measurements will have to be done regularly, so it makes sense to buy a more functional device. It is especially important to purchase a good device for monitoring heartbeat and blood pressure for the elderly. They often have vision, memory and hearing problems. A device with built-in memory, simple operation and a large screen can solve them.

For people who like to travel, it is better to look for a normal blood pressure monitor on the wrist. Due to its small size, you can take it everywhere with you. You don’t have to take off your clothes during the measurement, so you can carry out the procedure anywhere. The disadvantage of the device is its contraindications. The tonometer will not be able to give accurate results in the presence of advanced atherosclerosis or due to age-related changes blood vessels, as the pulse at the wrist will be too weak for him to fix it.

When choosing a measuring device, it is important to pay attention to the following nuances:

• The cuff should be selected according to the arm. The standard is 22-32 cm. It is advisable for large people to look for a large size, since the result may be distorted due to strong squeezing. For children, you will have to buy a special small cuff. It is made from nylon using seamless technology.
• The display should be selected as much as possible. The single-line legacy version displays only pressure and pulse. A larger screen size will give you the ability to see all the indicators at once, including the arrhythmia indicator, averages, color bar, battery level and more. It is equally important that the font is large enough for visually impaired people. You can see how the data will look on the screen by asking a pharmacist to demonstrate the operation of the device or by watching a video about it on the Internet.

The display and cuff are the basis of the blood pressure monitor, so they must be chosen carefully. If there are no special differences between the models, then you should pay attention to their additional functions:

• The arrhythmia indicator will be highlighted on the display. Sometimes its detection is accompanied by a sound signal. New models of measuring instruments automatically perform all the necessary calculations to obtain accurate results. In older versions, there is no inherent algorithm of actions, so it is advisable to take several measurements.
• Built-in memory is inherent in virtually all semi-automatic and automatic devices. The number of entries varies from 1 to 90. They contain information about blood pressure and pulse. Information about arrhythmia is available if there is an appropriate indicator.
• The function of calculating the average indicators of pressure and pulse is characteristic of virtually all measuring devices.

• Sound notification is characteristic of the end of the measurement process. Not all monitors have this feature.
• Fast detection of pressure and pulse is built into some devices. There are no special errors.
• Family blood pressure monitors can be customized for each person. The data will be written to a separate location.
• The most popular are universal models of measuring devices that are powered both by batteries and from the mains using an adapter. The advantage is especially relevant for home use, as costs are reduced.
• Many modern versions of blood pressure monitors can be connected to a printer and computer to print out the accumulated measurements. This feature is useful if you need to show the results to the doctor and do not want to carry the device to him.

Electronic models of measuring devices are great for home use. Especially with arrhythmias, problems with vision and hearing, lack of the necessary skills to use mechanical varieties of tonometers. It is enough for the patient to press 1 button and the device will do everything on its own (it pumps air, determines the level of pressure and pulse, and records the data). Equally important is the absence of pain during measurement. For many people, mechanical devices are associated with strong gripping of the hand. Their electronic versions have special cuffs that eliminate the feeling of discomfort.

The best blood pressure monitors with arrhythmia indicator

Many modern models have built-in sensors that detect the presence of heartbeat failures, but not all devices are able to show accurate results. Experts advise paying attention to Omron, BHS, AAMI, International Protocol and other well-known brands that have passed all the necessary stages of verification.

Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended to choose depending on your needs and financial capabilities.

In modern automatic and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors there are built-in arrhythmia indicators, thanks to which you can find out about the presence of a failure in a timely manner. They can save a person's life and help avoid serious complications. The model must be selected carefully, focusing on your individual characteristics. In some cases, it is advisable to consult with a specialist in order to learn about all the nuances of well-known brands and purchase the best option.

You may also be interested in:

Cardiac arrhythmia in a child: symptoms and treatment

Everyone knows perfectly well that blood pressure is one of the main indicators of our health. of cardio-vascular system. Hypertension ( high blood pressure) suffer many. Even doctors today are convinced that every family should have a blood pressure monitor. Elderly people who are engaged in heavy physical labor or, conversely, who suffer from a lack of physical activity, especially need it. The most optimal are electronic devices, in addition, the repair of electronic blood pressure monitors is extremely rare.

What to do if you are unlucky and the tonometer is broken?

If the tonometer suddenly stops working after an unsuccessful fall, or when you turn it on, the numbers and symbols on the display are not fully displayed, or the device shows the same value all the time, do not be discouraged! Contact the service center where the tonometers are repaired, the master will repair and set up your device.

Differences between mechanical and electronic blood pressure monitors

Apparatuses for are mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic electronic. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For example, mechanical ones have the highest accuracy (according to reviews) and the lowest price, but you need a skill to use them yourself.

All breakdowns relate to the failure of individual components. Repair of tonometers consists in the replacement of working components. To do this, you need to purchase a failed node in a medical equipment store and replace it. For example, if the device does not pump air into the cuff, then most likely the check valve in the pear has broken. It makes no sense to separately purchase and change the valve, and the entire assembly with tubes is easy, since they are unified.

Electronic blood pressure monitors are both fully automatic and semi-automatic, where the cuff is inflated manually using a pear. The price of such a device is 2-3 times higher than a mechanical one, moreover, in the presence of arrhythmia, errors in the readings are possible. Of the breakdowns, one can note malfunctions of the electronic scoreboard, turning off or “freezing” of the screen, problems with pumping air into the cuff, inaccurate readings (in comparison with another device). Repair of tonometers is usually carried out at a service center, since there is a device for sale for each device. If you try to repair the device at home, it becomes invalid. You can change the cuff or pear yourself by buying another one, and the warranty does not apply to their replacement.

World brands and equipment quality

The main manufacturers of automatic and semi-automatic (Japan), AND, Nissei, MicroLife, Citizen, Medisana AG (Germany), Bremed, Gamma, Maniquick, Beurer.

Modern automatic blood pressure monitors perfectly solve the problem of high-precision pressure measurement. Service centers operate in almost every city, for example, warranty and non-warranty repairs of Omron blood pressure monitors in Moscow are carried out on Vorotnikovsky Lane.

All these devices can be made in the carpal and shoulder versions. Experts trust the readings of devices in which the cuff is put on the forearm more, since the pressure in the arteries of the wrist is slightly lower than it actually is.

Before using any device, you should carefully study the instructions, then it will work correctly, and repair of tonometers may not be necessary at all.

Unfortunately, scientific and technical progress has its downsides. The pace of life has become much more intense. A person spends a lot of time in offices, and prefers the same computer, only at home, to walks in the fresh air. The human body, in particular, the cardiovascular system, reacts sharply to all this.

Increasingly, young people complain of headaches and bad feeling. The main reason for this is vegetovascular dystonia (VVD), arterial hyper- and hypotension. Therefore, everyone should not only constantly monitor blood pressure but also know how to do it right.

Tonometer does not show pressure

Arteries and pressure measurement methods

Arteries are the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the organs. The main task of the arteries is to carry blood coming from the heart under a certain pressure. To fulfill this purpose, the arteries have a special structure.

The arterial wall is made up of three layers:

1. Endothelium or inner layer (controls components of blood clotting);
2. Medium shell. Consists of muscle and elastic fibers. Muscle fibers correct blood pressure by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the lumen of the vessel) and vasodilation (expansion of the lumen of the vessel). Elastic fibers create conditions for the propagation of a pressure wave (pulse wave);
3. Adventitial layer (attaches the vessel to adjacent tissues).

The force with which blood presses against the walls of blood vessels is called blood pressure.

This indicator can be measured in different parts of the cardiovascular system, in connection with this, the following types of pressure are distinguished:

• capillary;
• intracardiac;
• arterial;
• venous;
• central arterial and venous.

Of particular diagnostic value is blood pressure (BP). With a simple measurement technique, it fully characterizes the current state of human health and allows you to respond in time to all negative changes.

Nowadays, blood pressure is measured in two main ways.:

1. Invasive method;
2. non-invasive methods.

Invasive technique

Gives constant and true information about blood pressure. Allows you to explore the gas and acid-base composition of the blood, so it is considered the "gold standard" in measuring blood pressure.

This technique has found its application during operations, when creating the so-called controlled hypotension. It also makes it possible to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic actions in real time. emergency conditions(shock, asthma attack).

The system for invasive pressure measurement consists of:

1. catheter or cannula;
2. High pressure lines (a system of tubes through which blood goes to the sensors);
3. Transducer (a device that converts physical or chemical signals into electrical impulses);
4. A monitor that displays the pressure curve and the gas composition of the blood.

Most often, catheterization is carried out in the radial artery, since it is located superficially and has many collaterals.

It is equally possible to use such arteries:

• elbow;
• shoulder;
• axillary;
• femoral;
• dorsal artery of the foot.

Mechanism of action

Blood flows through the catheter and tubing into the transducer. It is analyzed in the transducer. The analyzed information is fed to the monitor in the form of a curved line (for blood pressure) and displays the numbers of indicators of the gas and acid-base state of the patient's blood.

Complications

To possible complications refer:

• hematoma;
• thromboembolism or air embolism;
• nerve damage;
• arterial thrombosis;
• infection.

Non-invasive ways

1. Electronic. Electronic blood pressure measurement is based on the registration and analysis of various vascular parameters by sensors. Depending on which blood vessel data is used to calculate pressure, there are such methods:

• oscillometric (changes in the volume of the vessel are measured);
• tachooscillographic (the speed of propagation of a pulse wave is analyzed);
• compensatory (assessed elasticity and volume of finger vessels).

Advantages:

• no special skills are required to use this method;
• human factor (inattention, poor eyesight) does not affect the result, since the measurement is carried out using electronic sensors;
• allows you to measure pressure through thin clothing;
• gives a reliable result under noise loads;
• makes it possible to measure blood pressure with weak tones, in cases of auscultatory dips or when an endless tone occurs;
• shows more accurate data in the daily monitoring mode than the auscultatory method.

Flaws:

1. Auscultatory (mechanical) method of Korotkov. Since the beginning of the 20th century, when it was first proposed by N. S. Korotkov, the technique has not undergone major changes to the present day. In order to take pressure measurements, a phonendoscope and a manometer are used. The phonendoscope is designed to listen to the tones of cardiac activity.

The tonometer has such parts:

• manometer (mercury or spring);
• cuff connected to a rubber "pear";
• "pear", designed for air injection;

The method is based on complete clamping of the brachial artery with an inflated cuff and auscultation of noises that occur after a gradual decrease in air pressure in the cuff. The appearance of the first sound shock corresponds to the systolic pressure value recorded on the pressure gauge scale, and the moment the tones disappear corresponds to the diastolic value.

Advantages:

• is the best non-invasive technique for diagnosing blood pressure;
• resistant to the movements of the patient's hand.

Flaws:

• depends on the sight and hearing of the person conducting the measurement;
• difficult to use in noisy environments;
• sensitive to the location of the head of the phonendoscope in relation to the center of the artery.

Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: Choosing the wrong cuff

Most often, carpal or shoulder tonometers are used in practice. The shoulder cuff is suitable for most people.

Carpal blood pressure monitors are less versatile. The accuracy of their result largely depends on the condition of the patient's vessels. With age or under the influence of atherosclerosis, the vessels lose their elasticity and patency, as a result of which they transmit the pulse wave more weakly.

Therefore, it is not advised to use this type of tonometers for such categories of people.:

• obese;
• over 40 years old;
• sick diabetes.

Mistake #2: Wrong cuff size

The correct cuff size is also important. Since if the cuff is large in length, the pressure indicators will be underestimated, with a small cuff, they will be overestimated.

• children's (from 8 to 19 cm);
• adults (from 17 to 40 cm);
• cuffs for measuring blood pressure on the thigh (from 38 to 50 cm).

To choose the optimal cuff size, you need to follow these rules:

• cuff length must be at least 4/5 of the circumference of the arm;
• the width should be approximately 2/5 of the circumference of the shoulder.

Mistake number 3. Wrong body position

Measurement of pressure is carried out in the supine or sitting position.

The accuracy of the result largely depends on compliance with such rules.:

1. Do not cross your legs or bend your back while measuring blood pressure. Since by doing this you increase intra-abdominal pressure, thereby increasing blood pressure.
2. It is unacceptable to hold the hand on which the measurement is taken, on weight.
3. The arm on which the cuff is applied should be at the level of the heart. In a sitting position - at the height of the lower end of the sternum. In the supine position - along the body. Each deviation of 10 cm leads to an error in the result of 8 mm Hg. Art. Accordingly, when the hand is higher than the heart, the measurement result will be increased, if it is lower, it will be reduced.

Mistake #4: Incorrect cuff placement

Cuffs must not be worn over clothing. Firstly, clothing creates additional pressure on the vessels, which leads to incorrect results.

Secondly, sound is worse transmitted through the fabric. That is, the one who measures the pressure simply may not hear the first and last push.

It should also be taken into account that different parts of the body have different pressure.

For example, the pressure in the same patient is normal:

• when measured on the brachial artery - 120/80 mm Hg. Art.;
• when measured on the carpal artery - 110/75 mm Hg. Art.;
• when measured on the thigh - 140/85 mm Hg. Art.

• The cuff should match the size of the arm in length and width.
• Take measurements in a quiet and comfortable environment.
• Position yourself comfortably so that your legs are not crossed. The hand on which the measurement is taken should not be in weight. And also it is necessary that the clothes do not fetter the limb.
• The lower edge of the cuff must be applied 3 cm above the antecubital fossa.
• Place the head of the stethoscope over the antecubital fossa. It is necessary that the membrane is located close to the skin. But do not overdo it, the pressure measurement procedure should not cause pain from the examinee.

• Hold your hand at the level of the lower end of the sternum. To do this, you can put a fist of the other hand or a pillow under the elbow.
• Vigorously inflate the cuff.
• Release the air from the cuff slowly. Approximately 3-4 mm Hg. Art. per second. At this speed, it will be possible to more accurately hear the moment of the appearance of the first and last blows.
• When taking a measurement, it is advisable not to talk or make sudden movements.
• If the blood pressure monitor does not show pressure, check if the cuff or tubing system is not letting air through. The cause of the breakdown may also be hidden in the pressure gauge. In this case, it is recommended to contact a specialist.
• Re-examination of pressure is recommended at intervals of 10 minutes.

Basic rules for preparing for measurement

Like any medical study, pressure measurement has its own characteristics of preparation.

These features include:

1. Half an hour before the start of measuring blood pressure, you need to stop smoking and physical activity.
2. It should be borne in mind that alcohol, strong tea or coffee changes blood pressure. The same applies to taking a bath or shower, whether cold or hot.
3. Filled bladder increases intra-abdominal pressure, and it, in turn, increases the total arterial pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to empty the bladder before measuring blood pressure.
4. Normalize your breathing first. To do this, take 10 deep breaths.
5. Some people have a hidden anxiety in front of medical staff - the so-called white coat syndrome. This may be reflected in increased rates HELL. In this regard, you should wait for some time (5-10 minutes) for the person to calm down.

Conclusion

Blood pressure is one of the important indicators of the body's activity. Its deviation from the norm (range from 100/60 to 139/89 mmHg) leads to many pathological conditions or is their consequence. According to WHO, each year, mortality due to diseases of the cardiovascular system is 50% of all deaths. Cardiovascular diseases considered an "epidemic" of the twenty-first century.

In this regard, pressure indicators need to be monitored not only for people from risk groups (obese, diabetes, poor heredity), but for every person. The recommendations and rules described above will help to minimize errors in measuring blood pressure. This approach can significantly increase the quality and duration of life. After all the best treatment is prevention.