Tensiometers: what are they, what role do they have in hypertension and what types are there?
Regular blood pressure measurement with sphygmomanometers is essential for the detection of arterial hypertension and accurate long-term monitoring of blood pressure.
These devices, whether manual or digital, are the most commonly used to measure blood pressure, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we are going to learn more about high blood pressure, how to detect it, what blood pressure monitors and sphygmomanometers are, and the most modern devices on the market to measure blood pressure.
What is hypertension?
Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease characterized by a sustained elevation of blood pressure above the values considered normal.
This condition affects a large number of people around the world and is considered one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, cerebrovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease.
High blood pressure is a condition in which blood pressure is higher than what is considered normal.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed in two values: the systolic value (the pressure when the heart contracts) and the diastolic value (the pressure when the heart relaxes between contractions). Normal blood pressure is almost always between diastolic (90/60 mmHg) and systolic (120/80 mmHg).
When blood pressure rises above these values, a person is considered to have high blood pressure. In general, arterial hypertension is considered when blood pressure values are above 140/90 mmHg in three or more measurements taken at different times.
Accurate monitoring of arterial hypertension with blood pressure monitors
Measuring blood pressure regularly and long-term over time allows us to accurately monitor arterial hypertension.
This can be done in the doctor’s office, at home, or by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
ABPM is a technique that allows blood pressure to be measured throughout the day and all night, while the person performs their usual activities . To perform it, an automatic blood pressure monitor is placed on a bracelet that is worn on the arm for 24 hours.
The blood pressure monitor automatically inflates the cuff from time to time (usually every 15-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night) and records blood pressure.
This is a very useful technique because it can help identify blood pressure patterns and detect possible changes in blood pressure at different times of the day.
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How to detect arterial hypertension: the sphygmomanometer
The detection of high blood pressure is done by measuring blood pressure .
This process is performed with a device called a tensiometer or sphygmomanometer, which can be manual or digital. Thus, it is a medical instrument that is used to indirectly measure blood pressure; this measurement is normally made in mm Hg.
Differences between manual and digital blood pressure monitors
Manual sphygmomanometers have a cuff that is placed around the arm and inflated with a rubber bulb.
A stethoscope is used to listen to sounds from the brachial artery in the elbow while air is slowly released from the cuff. Automatic sphygmomanometers, on the other hand, work with an inflatable cuff that is placed around the arm. The cuff is automatically inflated and blood pressure is measured electronically. The results are displayed on a digital screen.
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Types of blood pressure monitor
In the market we can find several types but the most common are manual and digital / automatic.
Manual sphygmomanometers: mercury and aneroid
Manual sphygmomanometers can be mercury or aneroid.
- As their own name indicates, they use mercury to measure blood pressure . It is the most traditional sphygmomanometer and the one with the highest precision without the need to calibrate it, but its use is declining due to the environmental and health risks associated with this heavy metal.
- Aneroid or analog sphygmomanometers use an aneroid capsule to measure blood pressure with a needle that is pushed by internal springs. These sphygmomanometers also require the use of a stethoscope in order to listen to the patient’s pulse.
In both cases, they have the disadvantage that they only work correctly with the appropriate cuff for each patient, so the same cuff cannot be used for a child as for an adult. In addition, they need training and technical training for a correct measurement of blood pressure.
Digital blood pressure monitors
Digital sphygmomanometers can be:
- Arm.They are more accurate and are commonly used in medical settings.
- Wrist. They are more portable and may be more convenient for long-term monitoring at home.
They work in the same way: the cuff inflates and deflates automatically and shows the results obtained on its screen.
Also called an oscillometric, the digital sphygmomanometer makes oscillometric measurements, so the use of a stethoscope is not necessary.
These devices to measure blood pressure electronically are very easy to use and that is why they have become popular in homes.
Digital sphygmomanometers are not affected by surrounding noise, speeding up blood pressure measurements without complications in emergency settings and with a high number of patients.
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Equimed digital blood pressure monitors
At Equimed we work with various digital sphygmomanometer equipment .
Our devices feature fast, accurate reading capture with the same enhanced Sure BP technology found in Welch Allyn vital signs devices.
Blood pressure cuff digital ProBP™ 2000
With this blood pressure monitor, just press a button for fast blood pressure readings, thanks to SureBP® technology and FlexiPort® push-fit cuff connectors.
ProBP™ 2000 is compatible with ECOCUFF cuffs , single-patient cuffs that allow up to 100 measurements per patient. They also help prevent cross contamination.
Features
- Display Elements
Liquid crystal display (LCD) displays systolic blood pressure (mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), pulse rate (bpm) and heartbeat while taking blood pressure measurements, excess alert motion, alarm priority and battery charge level.
- Accuracy with SureBP Technology
Our inflation-based algorithm is used in all Welch Allyn vital signs equipment, helping healthcare professionals in any setting take fast, accurate, automated blood pressure readings.
- FlexiPort Blood Pressure Cuff Technology
They are available in various sizes to accommodate a wider range of patient populations.
- Reliable, fast and comfortable
Allows healthcare professionals full confidence in the results, with a 97% completion rate in the presence of motion. It captures readings in approximately 20 seconds and these blood pressure readings are taken more comfortably during inflation.
Blood pressure cuff digital Connex ProBP 3400
This blood pressure monitor also captures fast, accurate readings, right from the palm of your hand, with the same enhanced SureBP technology found in Welch Allyn vital signs devices.
Plus, it connects to the EMR medical record system, both via Bluetooth wireless technology (optional) and USB connections, reducing documentation errors and improving efficiency.
Its compact design facilitates its transport and the capture of readings either in rounds or in triage, obtaining reliable readings and minimizing error codes, even with the presence of movement or a weak pulse.
