What is blood pressure?

If you want to measure your blood pressure and understand the values, you should know how blood pressure is created: Blood pressure is the pressure in our blood vessels. It is the interaction of our heartbeat and the tension of the blood vessels. The heart works like a pump that moves the blood through the bloodstream. To do this, it beats 60 to 80 times per minute when at rest.

• The pressure at the moment of the heartbeat corresponds to the systolic blood pressure .
• The so-called diastolic blood pressure occurs when the heart muscle relaxes. This is the moment when the heart expands and fills with blood, which is then circulated again during the next beat.

If a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80 is determined, this is referred to as “120 to 80 millimeters of mercury” – written as 120/80 mmHg.

Pressure is necessary for blood to flow through the veins to the organs. The elasticity of the main artery – the aorta – is crucial for this. It can expand and take in a lot of blood from the heart. The tension that comes from the walls of the aorta ensures that the blood continues to be transported through the body as soon as the heart relaxes.

Blood pressure monitor: what is it, what is it for and how does it work?

The blood pressure monitor is a medical device that allows you to quickly detect irregularities in your body’s blood pressure, which is why it is an instrument that cannot be missing at home having the hypertensive or old aged people at home.

This device is key to preventing complications or serious consequences to the health of hypertensive people. That is why,  in this article by Medsparkles we tell you everything about blood pressure monitors , the device that will be very helpful to monitor the well-being of your family.

What is a blood pressure monitor?

The tensiometer , also known as a blood pressure monitor, is a device that measures the force exerted by blood flow on the walls of the arteries and detects two types of pressure: systolic and diastolic.

Systolic pressure is the pressure produced when the heart contracts and sends a flow of blood through the blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure generated when the heart relaxes between beats, reducing this blood pressure.

What are the types of blood pressure monitors?

There are a wide variety of blood pressure monitors, but the most commonly used and easiest to find are the digital and manual or aneroid ones. If you want to know a little more about them, here we explain everything you need to know.

 Manual or aneroid blood pressure monitor

Manual or aneroid blood pressure monitors consist of a cuff, an air pump, a stethoscope and a measurement indicator. These types of devices are used by health professionals or people with technical knowledge of blood pressure measurement. 

When measuring blood pressure manually, the values ​​are determined using the so-called sphygmomanometer. It consists of:

• a cuff
• a pressure gauge (manometer)
• a stethoscope

The cuff, which is connected to the measuring device (manometer), is put over the upper arm and inflated. The aim is to exert so much pressure on the upper arm muscles and the blood vessels underneath that no more blood can flow through. The air is then slowly let out of the cuff. As soon as blood starts flowing through the upper arm artery again, a knocking sound occurs, which is recorded with the stethoscope in the crook of the arm. The pressure of the cuff is no longer strong enough to stop the blood that is pumped into the arm via the upper arm artery with each heartbeat. However, it is still strong enough to compress the artery again after each heartbeat. This causes the vessel walls to collide and a knocking sound is created. As soon as you hear it for the first time, you can read the systolic blood pressure on the measuring device. If the pressure in the cuff drops so far that the artery remains open, the knocking disappears. The diastolic blood pressure is now read.

Measure blood pressure digitally

Depending on the model, digital blood pressure monitors are placed on the upper arm, finger or wrist. They are usually fully automatic oscillometric devices. This means that they automatically determine blood pressure based on fluctuations in blood volume in the arteries . Usually, all it takes to activate them is a push of a button. Once the measurement is complete, the display shows the upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic) blood pressure values.

Some models also visualize the heart rate and show the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). This corresponds to the average blood pressure that prevails in the vascular system – regardless of the systolic and diastolic fluctuations. Measured values ​​are saved automatically or at the push of a button and can be retrieved again.

Manual blood pressure measurement is more accurate than digital – but only if it is carried out correctly. Since manual measurement is more difficult to handle, private households in particular rely on digital blood pressure monitors. However, these can produce unreliable measurements, especially if people suffer from certain cardiac arrhythmias or stiff arteries due to arteriosclerosis.

 What are blood pressure monitors used for?

Blood pressure monitors are used to detect irregularities in our body’s blood pressure. Early detection of these abnormalities helps us prevent complications or serious health consequences . In addition, for hypertensive people, they are very useful for monitoring their systolic and diastolic pressures easily from their homes.

How do you measure blood pressure correctly?

To measure your blood pressure correctly, you need to consider a few things:

• Sit still in a quiet environment for five minutes and remain relaxed while your blood pressure is being measured.
• Do not cross your legs, but place both feet next to each other so that your blood pressure does not rise due to tension in your muscles.
• The measuring point must always be at the level of the heart – even if you measure your blood pressure on your wrist. If the measuring device is below the heart, the values ​​are too high. If it is above the heart, they are too low.
• It is recommended to measure blood pressure daily in the morning (if necessary before taking medication) and in the evening and always at the same time .
• Blood pressure should be measured on the arm that has the higher blood pressure values . To determine this, the doctor can measure both arms and make a recommendation. It can happen that the blood pressure differences on the arms are up to 20 mmHg.
• The cuff should not be too tight and should sit two finger widths above the crook of the elbow. A finger should still fit under the closed cuff. Place your arm in a relaxed position.
• Place your feet on the floor and your arm on a table.
• Lean your back against the backrest and stretch your arm out with your palm facing up.
• Place the cuff one inch (2.5 cm) above the elbow.
• Adjust the cuff until only two fingers fit under the top edge.
• Press start and remain still while the cuff inflates and deflates.
• When the reading is finished, observe the pulse and blood pressure on the digital panel.
• Write down the numbers you obtain in a notebook to keep track of your measurements.

With long-term blood pressure monitoring, you wear a cuff connected to a monitor for 24 hours. This monitor measures blood pressure regularly and records it to detect any irregularities.

 How to read blood pressure monitor values?

On most blood pressure monitors, blood pressure readings are given as two numbers. The higher number represents the systolic pressure and the lower number is the diastolic pressure . For example, if the monitor displays the numbers 120 and 80, your blood pressure is 120 over 80 or 120/80 mm Hg.

Why have a blood pressure monitor at home?

The blood pressure monitor is a medical device that can be of great help at home, as it has various functions that allow monitoring the health status of people suffering from hypertension . Through the blood pressure monitor you can quickly measure and detect if the pressure indicators are outside the recommended ranges.

What are normal blood pressure levels?

Ideally, blood pressure should be between 120 mm Hg (systolic) and 80 mm Hg (diastolic) in adults. If the systolic pressure is equal to or greater than 140 or the diastolic pressure is equal to or greater than 90, it is considered high blood pressure. 

Repeated high blood pressure can be a sign of hypertension, so it is important to constantly monitor blood pressure in adults to control hypertension and prevent cardiovascular damage or disease.

What mistakes can happen when measuring blood pressure?

Only every second home blood pressure monitor measures reliably. That’s why it’s important to use validated blood pressure monitors. Before you start measuring your blood pressure yourself, your family doctor should take a standardized comparison measurement to be on the safe side. Mistakes can happen when choosing the cuff and putting it on. Standard cuffs are for a wrist circumference of around 19.5 centimeters and an upper arm circumference of 33 centimeters; for a larger circumference, a larger cuff is required.

Even if you do everything right when measuring your blood pressure, the readings you get may be different than those in the doctor’s office. It’s best to get training in the doctor’s office so that you can measure your blood pressure correctly with your blood pressure monitor.

Which arm: right or left?

You can generally measure your blood pressure on both arms. It is advisable to check during the first measurements whether your values ​​are higher on one of the two arms. If this is the case, you should use this arm for further measurements, as the higher readings are always decisive. If the difference is greater than 10 mmHg, you should discuss this with your doctor to rule out an illness.

Long-term blood pressure measurement

Because blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, it can be useful to take a 24-hour blood pressure measurement. This test can also be used to determine the effectiveness of medication for high blood pressure treatment. The measurement is carried out using a portable blood pressure monitor, so the patient does not have to stay in hospital. Over the course of 24 hours, the cuff inflates itself at regular intervals and measures the current blood pressure. The recorded values ​​are stored in the device so that the doctor can evaluate them the following day.

When measuring your blood pressure for 24 hours, it is a good idea to document any special events or activities in your daily life. It is best to write down whether and when you were particularly stressed, exercised or slept. This makes it easier for your doctor to evaluate your blood pressure readings.

When to measure Blood Pressure?

Check your blood pressure regularly. To get really meaningful values, the measurement should always be taken at the same time under the same conditions. For example, in the morning after breakfast and in the evening after dinner, when you have had a rest.

How to improve blood pressure levels?

To maintain good blood pressure levels, it is important to exercise regularly to keep your circulatory system in good condition and manage daily stress in a healthy way. On the other hand, it is essential to stop direct and indirect tobacco consumption.

Also, don’t forget that diet is very important and you should maintain healthy eating habits and gradually reduce the consumption of saturated fats, refined sugars and alcohol.

How to measure blood pressure at home?

When measuring the upper arm, proceed as follows:

• Sit upright and place your legs loosely next to each other.
• Remove your arm and place the cuff around your upper arm so that you can just slide your index and middle fingers underneath. There should be a gap of 2 to 3 centimeters between the cuff and the crook of your elbow.
• Place your arm on a table so that your upper arm is at heart level.
• Take five minutes to relax.
• Start the measurement while sitting quietly, breathing normally and not speaking.
• Measure your blood pressure twice in a row on your upper arm. There should be an interval of 1 to 2 minutes between measurements.
• It is best to measure your blood pressure in the morning and evening.
• Note the values ​​of all measurements.

 Best blood pressure monitors for your home

Find a wide variety of blood pressure monitors at affordable prices at Hiraoka.com.pe . Discover the models we have for you here:

Wrist blood pressure monitor BC 28

• Straightforward and easy to use
• Simple and easy to use – that is what makes our wrist blood pressure monitors stand out. These handy devices prove themselves to be particularly reliable companions on the move, meaning you can monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• Fully automatic blood pressure and pulse measurement on the wrist
• Average of all saved measured values
• Average of morning and evening blood pressure for the last 7 days
• Clear display
• 2 x 60 memory spaces
• Risk indicator
• Arrhythmia detection
• For wrist circumferences from 14.0 to 19.5 cm
• Date and time/automatic switch-off
• Incorrect usage message
• Low battery indicator
• Storage box

Ucheck Blood Pressure Monitor TYPE-C – UC 2002

Check UC 2002 Arm Type Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor Latest Version Type C Supported Adaptability1 year warranty Cuff size 22-36 cm ow battery indication Two memory groups

AND UB-543 Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

This digital blood pressure monitor from the AND brand is worn on the wrist and is ideal for measuring blood pressure for the entire family as it has a memory that stores up to 60 measurements.

• Adjustable bracelet.
• Memory of 60 measurements (2 people).
• Blood pressure classification indicator.
• Irregular heartbeat indicator.
• Large, easy-to-read display.
• Clock and calendar.

Citizen CH-650 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

The Citizen CH-650 digital blood pressure monitor is ideal for measuring blood pressure for the entire family. It has an adjustable wrist cuff and a memory that stores up to 60 measurements

Omron HEM-7122 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

• Adjustable bracelet from 14.5 to 59.4 cm.
• Memory of up to 30 measurements.
• Body movement indicator.
• Irregular heartbeat detector.
• Excessive movement indicator.
• Large, easy-to-read display.
• Omron Connect app compatibility.

Certeza Blood Pressure Monitor (BM-407)

The Certeza Blood Pressure Monitor BM-407 is a digital device that accurately measures blood pressure. It also measures the pulse and heart rate.

Measures

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Portable

Fact and FAQs about Mercury Sphygmomanometer 

In 2009, the European Commission banned the sale to the public of blood pressure measuring instruments containing mercury due to the toxicity of the metal. However, the most common blood pressure measuring instruments were exempted from this ban and were allowed to be used in healthcare.
This exemption was provisional, pending further review of the evidence for the effectiveness of alternative blood pressure measuring instruments.
It is important not to compromise the accuracy of measurements for diagnostic use and medical research, but it is also important to minimize mercury in the environment. There are benefits and risks that must be taken into account when recommending whether or not to continue using mercury-containing instruments, which have been the “gold standard” for blood pressure measurement to date.

What is the difficulty of measurement?

Measuring blood pressure is not always straightforward. It is usually measured indirectly, using a cuff placed around a limb, the pressure of which cuts off blood flow in an artery. The most common methods (auscultatory ) rely on the observer’s ability to recognise the sounds made by blood flow, a skill that must be learned. Observer error, misuse of the equipment and inadequate maintenance can lead to inaccuracies.
Alternative methods give less direct indication of the two vital measurements: systolic pressure , when the main heart chamber contracts, and diastolic pressure , when the heart relaxes after contraction. These must be calculated using a more complex pattern of oscillations in blood pressures.
An individual’s blood pressure also varies over the course of a day and even between heart contractions, and can increase if, for example, they become nervous during a medical check-up — the “white coat effect.” Some groups of people present additional difficulties: patients with irregular contractions, the elderly, children, pregnant women, or simply people with long arms.

 What alternative measurement instruments exist?

For decades, the mercury sphygmomanometer has been the first choice for blood pressure measurement, as evidenced by the use of a scale of millimetres of mercury (mmHg) on ​​a column of mercury as the universal unit of blood pressure recording, regardless of the instrument.
There are several alternatives. Some are still based on auscultation (listening to arterial sounds) but rely on different ways of measuring cuff pressure. Others, using oscillometric methods of measurement, are automated. These are more suitable for home use and for monitoring blood pressure over a longer period.

How accurate are these alternatives?

The limitations and potential sources of inaccuracy of the mercury sphygmomanometer are well known . The mercury instrument is generally considered the “gold standard” for routine blood pressure measurement when properly calibrated, used, and maintained, although actual use may fall short of these requirements.
Alternative devices, subject to the same conditions, are also accurate in normal use. In some particular cases, they have limitations. Some instruments sold for personal use, such as automatic blood pressure monitors that measure blood pressure on a finger, are not as accurate.

Can alternative devices affect healthcare?

Mercury-free blood pressure measuring instruments can be an excellent substitute for mercury sphygmomanometers for daily clinical use. Aneroid (liquid-free) auscultatory
devices that do not contain mercury are equivalent to mercury sphygmomanometers . However, the other main alternative, oscillatory instruments, have been clinically approved for the adult population, although not covering a wide range of ages or clinical conditions. In general, there is no evidence of side effects in patients who have had their mercury sphygmomanometers replaced by mercury-free alternatives.

How is the accuracy of new instruments checked?

All blood pressure instruments should be checked against reference manometers. The limitations and potential sources of inaccuracy of the mercury sphygmomanometer are well known . A number of international standards have been established to test them, the latest of which was published between 2007 and 2009 by the international standards organisations ISO and IEC.

All blood pressure instruments should be compared with reference manometers. The limitations and potential sources of inaccuracy of the mercury sphygmomanometer are well known . A number of international standards have been established to test them, the latest of which was published between 2007 and 2009 by the international standardisation organisations ISO and IEC.
In addition, clinical approval is recommended, with existing protocols requiring automatic instruments to be tested in comparison with the mercury sphygmomanometer .