Which tonometer to choose for home use

Why do you need a tonometer?

Headaches, weakness, disorientation, tinnitus and many other symptoms are always associated with changes in blood pressure. Depending on what the blood pressure has become, a drug is prescribed to relieve unpleasant symptoms.

If your blood pressure is low, you need to turn to medications that increase it. With the normalization of indicators, the headache will go away and the general condition will improve. But if the same drug is given for high blood pressure, it can bring a person to a state requiring urgent resuscitation. Medicines that relieve headaches have different effects on the body. Only with the help of a home tonometer can you determine in which direction you need to change your blood pressure readings.

It is not necessary to know how to use a bulb or understand the pulsation of a tonometer needle in order to measure pressure yourself. Today, manufacturers offer a wide selection of devices, including fully automatic ones, which can be controlled by pressing one button.

How to choose a tonometer for home use

The selection algorithm is simple. It is important to decide on a specific type of device, taking into account the frequency of use of the device, the age of the patient, the presence of cardiovascular diseases, etc. Which tonometer is more accurate - selection criteria:

• Frequency of operation and number of users. An automatic or semi-automatic device is suitable for frequent use, but if the number of users is more than one, it is recommended to choose a model with a memory function.
• Age category of the patient. Both shoulder and wrist pressure gauges are suitable for young and middle-aged people. An elderly patient should choose exclusively the shoulder. This is due to the fact that the vessels of the wrist joint wear out over time, the elasticity of their walls decreases, arthrosis (joint diseases) occurs, and bones begin to appear. All these factors can distort the accuracy of blood pressure measurements.
• Cuff size. The most popular are shoulder products - the shoulder in medical terminology means the area from the shoulder joint to the elbow. This type is available in several sizes, some of which are universal, others are suitable only for children or adults. Approximate breakdown in the table:

• Presence of cardiovascular diseases. If the patient has problems with heartbeat (arrhythmia), then preference should be given to a device with an intelligent measurement function.
• Ability to measure pressure yourself. A mechanical sphygmomanometer is only suitable for doctors and nurses who know how to use it, because while measuring blood pressure you need to listen to the pulse with a stethoscope. For this reason, you should choose a semi-automatic/automatic machine for home use. It is stuffed with sensitive electronics, which will accurately determine your pulse.
• Company manufacturer. Popular manufacturers of pressure meters include AND and Omron (both Japan), Microlife (Switzerland), Beurer (Germany). Moreover, AND has a patented technology for oscillometric blood pressure measurement - it was the first to receive a patent for this technique, which is used in digital devices. Omron actively promotes its products among the Russian-speaking audience, which has a positive effect on the company's business.

Omron M3 Expert brand device

One of the most popular brands is Omron. This manufacturer offers a high-precision device that is able to detect incorrect patient positioning, in which the readings are distorted. A special indicator on the tonometer screen will indicate the need to repeat measurements.

It is not difficult to use - just one button turns on the device, and it also starts the measurement. The comfortable sleeve is easy to put on yourself. It does not put undue pressure on the arm, which is important for patients who psychologically cannot bear the increasing pressure in the cuff. Once the measurements are completed, pressure and heart rate readings will appear on the screen. If there are signs of arrhythmia or tachycardia, a special symbol will appear on the display. The device memory can store up to 100 measurements.

How to measure blood pressure

Approximately an hour before measuring blood pressure, the patient should refrain from smoking, consuming caffeine-containing products or alcoholic beverages. During the procedure, you cannot talk or move, and your hand must be completely relaxed. The measurement is performed with the patient in a sitting position, no earlier than after 5 minutes. after he relaxes. Which tonometer is more accurate - instructions for using a mechanical (manual) device:

1. Place the cuff (standard/non-standard) on your arm at heart level so that it is 3-5 cm above the elbow.
2. Place the stethoscope on the center of the fold (inside) and put it on. After this, inflate the elastic element of the device to 200-220 mmHg. Art.
3. Then slowly (2-4 mm/sec.) deflate and listen through the stethoscope.
4. As soon as you hear the first blow, record the readings of the device - this is the upper pressure.
5. When you stop hearing beats, the recorded indicator is the lower pressure.
6. Take 2-3 measurements to calculate the average. Between a couple of procedures, take a 3-5 minute pause.

Many people, when answering the question of which tonometer is accurate, give preference to automatic (electronic) devices. They are expensive, but are easy to use. Instructions for their use are as follows:

1. Putting the elastic element of the device on your hand, place it at the level of your heart.
2. Then press the button on the device and wait until the automatic device gives you the current data. He will do all the work on his own, you just need to write down the readings received.
3. Be sure to take 2-3 measurements to determine the average value, which will be close to the real value.

As for the semi-automatic device, its operating principle is practically no different from its previous analogue. Which tonometer is accurate - both devices are practically no different from each other in this indicator. The only difference is that the user needs to pump up the air themselves, and this is physical work, which, according to experts, can raise blood pressure by 10-15 mm Hg. Art. In order to avoid such inaccuracy when using a semi-automatic device, another person must pump the air.

Tonometer B.Well PRO-33 M-L

Its popularity in the medical equipment market is due to the low price of the product. Swiss quality has become available thanks to the B.Well brand. Marking with Latin “M-L” in the model name indicates the width of the cuff: 22 cm or 42 cm. The price of the models does not differ significantly. The device is praised for its renowned Swiss quality.

There is an indicator on the screen indicating arrhythmia. If a rhythm disturbance is noted with each measurement, you need to pay attention to it and consult a cardiologist. Particularly sensitive patients note moderate air inflation into the cuff, which is a definite plus for those who cannot tolerate excessive compression. The tonometer remembers the patient, recording the tightening of the cuff. Because of this, it is inconvenient to record readings for two different patients, if each person is comfortable with their own cuff tightening force.

Servicing the device is easy - the sleeve cover is removable and machine washable. This is an automatic tonometer that does not require any special skills from the owner. With one button, it easily turns on and starts the measurement process. The pressure force in the cuff and the recording of values ​​is determined by the built-in computer. Each time you turn on the last indicator will be displayed on the screen.

The best inexpensive automatic blood pressure monitors

An easy-to-use automatic blood pressure monitor is in great demand. To use this device to measure pressure, you do not need to have special knowledge. It is very easy to use, and the ability to buy a tonometer “without bells and whistles” for a very affordable price explains its popularity among older people.

B.Well PRO-33

An automatic tonometer produced by a Swiss company is designed to measure blood pressure in the upper arm. The kit includes an anatomical cuff size L (22 – 32 cm) or LM (22 – 42 cm). Power supply: 4 AAA batteries. The extended package is complemented by a network adapter. Measurement accuracy – 3 mm Hg. Art. The LCD screen displays the upper and lower blood pressure levels, pulse value, arrhythmia icon, and battery charge indicator. The measurement process begins at the press of a backlit button. The degree of inflation of the cuff is determined automatically. The latest readings are recorded in memory. The device automatically turns off a minute after the measurement is taken. Warranty service for 10 years.

PROS:

• Simplicity and ease of use;
• High accuracy;
• Informs about heart rhythm disturbances;
• Anatomical cuff for a tight fit;
• Recording the results of the last measurement;
• Low battery indicator;
• Possibility of using a network adapter.

MINUSES:

• Doesn't give evidence.

AND UA-888E

The tonometer, produced under the brand of the Japanese company AND, measures pressure on the shoulder. The kit includes a standard cuff 22 - 32 cm. The compact, convenient device is used at home and in medical institutions. The tonometer is powered by AA batteries (4 pieces). There is a connector for connecting a network adapter. Measurement accuracy – 3 mm Hg. Art. The AND tonometer operates in automatic mode; the measurement process is started by pressing a button. The display shows blood pressure values ​​(lower and upper), pulse, and a warning about detected arrhythmia. The tonometer is equipped with a WHO scale with a color indicator of high blood pressure. An array of results from the last 30 measurements is stored in memory; the average value can be calculated. Warranty period of service is 10 years.

PROS:

• High accuracy;
• Convenience;
• Arrhythmia indication;
• Accumulation of an array of measurements and calculation of the average value;
• Possibility of using a network adapter.

MINUSES:

• There is no function for voicing results.

Little Doctor LD12

The wrist tonometer is produced by a company from the Republic of Singapore. The kit includes a wrist cuff measuring 12.5 - 20.5 cm. Powered by two AAA batteries. The size of the electronic unit is 6.6 x 7.0 x 3.2 cm. The results of measuring blood pressure (2 readings) and pulse are displayed on the LCD screen. If there is an arrhythmia, an indicator icon appears on the display. The built-in control issues a warning if the pressure is exceeded according to the WHO scale. Two memory blocks allow you to save the history of readings - date, time, pressure, pulse. The memory recording option is active for three minutes after the measurement. It is possible to save the average value after three consecutive measurements. Warranty – 5 years.

PROS:

• Compactness;
• The dimensions of the cuff allow this device to be used to control blood pressure in a child;
• Possibility of accumulation and averaging of diagnostic results;
• Availability of WHO scale.

MINUSES:

• Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the instructions leads to a severe distortion of real blood pressure values.

Tonometer brand AND model UB-202

This tonometer is attached to the wrist, unlike the classic devices that everyone is used to. Due to the small size of the bracelet, the UB-202 model is convenient to take with you on trips so that you always have it at hand. Despite its compactness, the device does not lack a large display, the readings from which are easy to read even for short-sighted patients. The memory capacity allows you to store up to 90 measurements.

Just two buttons on the body allow you to use all the functionality of the product. One button is designed to turn on the device, pressing it again will start the measurement process. The second button is responsible for memory. A single press will show the latest data, and each subsequent press will display all other received data in turn, starting with the most recent ones.

To the left of the display is a color-coded scale, which allows you to intuitively understand whether pressure readings are life-threatening or within normal limits. UB-202 runs on batteries. The device is fully automatic.

Tensoval Duo control

Little-known companies are generally considered unreliable and unworthy of consumer attention. However, the Tensoval Duo control tonometer is ready to argue with this. First of all, this is manifested in caring for two patients at once: the device works with settings for two users. Just one button turns on the device and starts measurements. If you first press the key belonging to one of the two users, the indicators will be recorded in memory specifically for him.

Measurements are made by two different methods - based on heart sounds and based on oscillometry. The device can be powered either from batteries or from the mains. Shows not only pressure, but also heart rate.

The best automatic blood pressure monitors for the shoulder

Tonometers of this type are widely used at home and in medical institutions. They are easy to use, which is why they are popular among older people.

Omtron M2 Basic

The Japanese model is equipped with a unique pressure sensor that adapts the measurement process to the individual characteristics of the user and environmental parameters. The kit includes a cuff of a standard size 22 - 32 cm, it is possible to connect a children's cuff and a large cuff. The LCD screen displays blood pressure, pulse and additional information - the presence of arrhythmia and exceeding WHO recommended blood pressure values. Up to 30 last measured values ​​are stored in memory. The device runs on AA batteries (4 pieces), there is a connector for connecting an AC adapter. Warranty service for 10 years.

PROS:

• WHO scale;
• High blood pressure indicator;
• Arrhythmia indicator;
• Possibility of power supply;
• Possibility of connecting a children's cuff and a cuff for a large person;
• Saving a series of 30 measurements.

MINUSES:

• No average calculation;
• There is no announcement of results.

B.Well PRO – 35

The tonometer is equipped with a universal conical cuff of size M – L (22 – 42 cm). The measurement results (blood pressure levels and pulse value) are displayed on the LCD display. Additionally, a graphical display of the measured blood pressure is displayed based on the WHO color scale of pressure levels and a warning icon about the presence of arrhythmia. A series of 30 measurements can be stored in memory. After completing the measurement procedure, the device will automatically turn off within 1 minute. The tonometer runs on batteries (AA, 4 pieces) and from the mains. The package includes a network adapter. The battery indicator on the screen warns you about the charge level. Maintenance service for 10 years.

PROS:

• Arrhythmia indicator;
• Low battery indicator;
• Automatic shutdown;
• Universal cuff ML;
• WHO scale;
• Adapter included;
• Storing 30 measurements in memory.

MINUSES:

• No average calculation;
• There is no announcement of results.

Nissei DS-11a

The tonometer is equipped with a universal cuff for an upper arm circumference of 22 – 42 cm. The measured values ​​of blood pressure and pulse, time and date are displayed on the screen. The arrhythmia indicator warns of disturbances in the functioning of the heart. The interference indicator signals a violation of the measurement process by recording body mobility. The memory stores the results of 60 measurements - date, time, blood pressure levels, pulse. You can calculate the average. The tonometer is powered by batteries (AA, 4 pieces). There is a connector for connecting a network adapter. Warranty period of service is 10 years.

PROS:

• Memory for 60 values;
• Arrhythmia indicator;
• Average value calculation function;
• Indicator of incorrect body position.

MINUSES:

• There is no WHO scale.

Device Qardio QardioArm A100

Such a tonometer cannot be seen in a city clinic. It is created on the basis of modern technologies and transmits the readings taken directly to a smartphone. The tonometer communicates with a mobile phone via Bluetooth. To work with it you need to install a special application. Separately, it should be noted that it is possible to synchronize the program for recording tonometer readings with health monitoring application databases.

If a patient is served in a modern clinic, he can, with the click of a couple of buttons, forward the newly obtained values ​​to his attending physician.

A significant disadvantage of such a device can be considered its high cost - it sometimes exceeds 11 thousand rubles, which not everyone can afford.