2 august 2016 / High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure monitors - mechanical or automatic?

Highlights:

How do blood pressure devices work?
What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure and how are they measured?
Mechanical blood pressure monitors
Automatic blood pressure monitors
How to choose the right cuff and why is it important?
How are BPMs maintained?
Are warranties and manufacturers of BPMs important?

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common issues in Macedonia. This is why blood pressure monitors should be at the forefront of health care. After the medical discovery of the relationship between heart rate and pulse, and the ability to determine blood volume, several events occurred that laid the foundation for blood pressure measurements. The first sphygmomanometer (yes, that's what your device is called) was made in 1881 by Samuel Siegerfried and Karl Ritter von Basch. A sphygmomanometer measures arterial blood pressure by placing a cuff on the left arm, using a device to force air into the cuff, and a manometer that measures the air pressure in the cuff.

Choosing a blood pressure monitor is not always the easiest of tasks. Therefore, we will try to give you a detailed overview of all the different types and their advantages and disadvantages. This way you will be able to decide for yourself which type is more suitable for you and your lifestyle. When choosing a blood pressure monitor (BPM), it’s important to consider your needs , preferences, and physical limitations. There are two main types on the market - mechanical and automatic BPMs.

Mechanical blood pressure monitor - How do they work?

Typically, mechanical BPMs are used by medical professionals in medical institutions, but can also be used at home given you have received proper training.

Mechanical blood pressure monitors consist of two main parts: a stethoscope, also called a doctor's earpiece, and a sphygmomanometer. It consists of a cuff, a hand pump, and a manometer (digital scale) that displays pressure values. The measurement is made by placing the cuff around the upper arm. The membrane of the headset is placed under the cuff, which is usually around the crook of the elbow.

The measurement itself is done by manually pumping the cuff with an internal inflatable balloon that compresses the artery in the upper arm (the brachial artery). When the artery is squeezed, the arterial pulsations stop being heard. When the pump is no longer in use and released, the cuff will slowly lose its grip, the pulsating blood flow is stopped and rhythmic tones (systolic and diastolic) begin to be heard. The stethoscope is used to better hear and analyse these tones. The appearance of the first tone is reflected on the manometer and marks the upper limit of blood pressure (systolic). The lower blood pressure limit (diastolic) is determined when the tones cease and become silent.

To receive accurate readings, measurements with mechanic BPMs should be done by another person who inserts the cuff and monitors the readings through the stethoscope. This makes these devices unsuitable for people who live alone or are older. Last but not least, the person taking the measurement should have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a mechanical BPM.

Blood pressure has been measured in this way for many years - by doctors and at home. According to some studies, for complete accuracy, the values of three consecutive measurements on the same arm should be averaged.

Pros and cons

Do not need batteries or electricity
Do not have electronic parts that can become damaged over time or need replacing
With proper maintenance, mechanical devices last much longer than automatic monitors
When used correctly, readings are relatively accurate
Usually cheaper than high quality automatic machines
Difficult to use - anyone using a mechanical blood pressure monitor should be carefully trained and warned of potential errors
Self measurement is not advisable due to the large range of requirements needed to obtain an accurate measurement

Automatic blood pressure monitors – precision on another level

Automatic BPMs are the most convenient option and are by far the most popular monitor for home use. They are recommended by doctors, especially to patients with hypertension, arrhythmia or other cardiovascular diseases, as they are extremely accurate, fast and require no specific skills to use. Many automatic BPMs have technologies that can detect and analyse arrhythmias.

Practically speaking, a person's involvement when using an automatic BPM is limited only to correctly placing the cuff on the biceps or wrist. SENDO devices, for example, are equipped with just one button for the maximum convenience of their users. Once the button is pressed the device independently fills the cuff with the required amount of air, then displays the exact systolic and diastolic pressure results. Within this category there are also semi-automatic blood pressure monitors. As indicated by the name, the results are displayed digitally but they are equipped with a manual pump that is used and released manually.

Pros and cons

Incredibly fast – measurements are received within seconds, which is especially important in situations of cardiac incident
Offer many useful features, such as built in memory storage, making them easy to use at home. This way everyone has access to a database of their blood pressure, pulse rate, & arrhythmia
Detect arrhythmia - Sendo Advance 3 detects and analyses arrhythmia
There is no need to remember or record the readings as the results are displayed. There are options to transfer your data to a mobile phone or tablet, which is necessary when consulting a doctor
Assists users by signalling if their limits are below or above the norm.
Completely eliminates the risk of human error as there is no need for another person to be present to fit the cuff, handle the stethoscope and monitor the tones
Unfortunately, Automatic BPM measurements may be affected by movement, talking, or arrhythmia.
Need batteries or electricity
Good quality automatic machines are more expensive than mechanical ones
Digital monitors wear out faster than mechanical monitors
Sensors and electronic components can fail over time or need replacing

Automatic Wrist monitors

Electronic wrist monitors are the most convenient option for self-measuring blood pressure. They are easy to use, require no special training or help from another person. The device is placed on the wrist, the wrist is then placed at your heart level, the button to start the device is pressed and then your reading will automatically begin.

These blood pressure monitors are suitable for younger users who do not suffer from hypertension or other chronic cardiovascular diseases, since any deviation from the readings can mislead the patient and lead to health complications. They are also very convenient for young and active users who are sporty and/or on the go.

The reason why there may be deviations with these BPMs is due to the way the body ages. The older we get our blood vessels change, especially those located in the wrist. The circumference of your wrist may also change which leads to measurement errors.

If you decide to use a wrist BPM, it’s important to choose a device that is specially designed to protect the fine blood vessels located in the wrist. The Sendo Smart 2 is a perfect example - it is super compact, detects arrhythmia, and was made with a special Smart Protect technology designed to protect the fine blood vessels in the wrist. As blood vessels change over the years this change can lead to inaccuracies in wrist measurements for people over 45. For this age group, it’s preferable to use BPMs that measure readings from the biceps.

Pros and cons

Convenient size and compactness - extremely suitable for people who need and want to monitor their blood pressure regularly and on the go.
Independence and comfort - recommended for individuals who have difficulty with arm and shoulder mobility.
Wrist blood pressure readings may not be completely accurate as they are directly related to body and hand position, as the arteries in the wrist are smaller, which affects the measurement. It is particularly important that the wrist is at the heart level so that the pressure is equalized and does not move during the measurement.
To find out if a wrist BPM is appropriate can be determined after consultation with a health care professional according to individual needs and medical condition

How do blood pressure monitors work?

Blood pressure is measured by detecting the force of the blood against the artery walls. As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of monitors - mechanical/manual (auscultatory method) and automatic (oscillometric method) devices. All monitors work by tensing the cuff around the arm and measuring the blood pressure, which is divided into systolic and diastolic ranges.

Systolic and diastolic rhythm

Systolic pressure - the highest level when the heart contracts
Diastolic pressure - the lowest level during the rest period of the heart

How to choose the right cuff and why is it important?

Choosing the right cuff is essential for the accuracy of the measurements. If the cuff is too small or too large, the results can be inaccurate, which can lead to wrong medical decisions.
The cuff should properly fit your arm to ensure accuracy of your measurements. You can measure the circumference of your upper arm (about 2-3 cm above the elbow) with a soft tape measure.

Too small or large a cuff can lead to inaccurate results. Most devices offer different cuff sizes - standard, large and child. Sendo devices offer size M (22-32cm) and size L (31-45cm).

Прекалено малък или голям маншет може да доведе до неточни резултати. Повечето апарати предлагат различни размери маншети – стандартен, голям и детски. Апаратите Sendo предлагат размер М (22-32см) и размер Л (31-45см).

A Too small cuff size → may indicate higher blood pressure readings
A Too large cuff size → may indicate lower blood pressure

What to do if your cuff is cracked / torn / worn out?

In the event of a damaged cuff, it is important to replace it with a new one compatible with your device. Using a damaged cuff can lead to inaccurate measurements and misdiagnoses.

How are maintain an automatic blood pressure monitor?

Store the BPM in a dry place away from moisture and dust.
Check batteries regularly and use an adapter if necessary.
Clean the cuff with a soft cloth and soapy water.
Avoid bumping and dropping to prevent damage.

Is the warranty and manufacturer of a blood pressure monitor important?

Yes, the warranty is a key factor when choosing a device. A reliable manufacturer like Sendo provides quality devices that pass rigorous accuracy and durability tests. Good customer service and availability of spare parts are also important advantages. All Sendo devices purchased within the warranty period can be shipped at our expense to our service centre. For more information you can contact our customer service department through the following contacts:

Albania - 069 232 0283 & [email protected]
Bulgaria - 0800 13456 & [email protected]
North Macedonia - 0800 31 313 & [email protected]
Romania - 0371 119 624 & [email protected]

Sendo recommends its reliable blood pressure monitors made with clinical accuracy and suitable for every type of user.

No matter what device you use, it is especially important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, with a trusted and accurate device.

This article is not a substitute for consulting your GP or cardiologist

_________________________________________________________

FAQ:

Which is more accurate: manual or automatic blood pressure monitor?

Both can be accurate if used correctly, but automatic monitors reduce the chance of user error and are easier for most people to operate at home.

Are automatic blood pressure monitors easy to use?

Yes, automatic monitors are user-friendly. They typically require just the press of a button and display results digitally.

What size cuff do I need for my blood pressure monitor?

To get accurate results, choose a cuff that fits your upper arm properly. Measure the circumference of your arm and match it with the recommended cuff size on the device packaging.

Can I use a wrist monitor instead of an upper-arm monitor?

Wrist monitors can be less accurate due to positioning issues. Upper-arm monitors are generally recommended for more reliable results. Consult with a doctor to assess whether a wrist monitor would be suitable for you.