The level of blood pressure is one of the most important indicators in a person's examination. It determines the general state of the human body. If this indicator exceeds the norm or, on the contrary, is underestimated, this indicates certain violations of the functioning of the body. How to properly perform the measurement procedure to get the correct result? To do this, you need to know the algorithm for measuring blood pressure. There are several ways and rules for research.
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Methods for measuring blood pressure
There are 2 ways to measure this indicator in humans. Let's look at each one in detail.
Measurement by Korotkov's method
The essence of this method is to clamp a special cuff on the brachial artery. At the same time, it is necessary to slowly evacuate the air from the cuff, listening to the heartbeat with a fanendoscope. This method requires the presence of such devices: a fanendoscope, a pear-shaped balloon with air and a cuff.
This method is used in hospitals, as well as in the presence of the device and at home. The results of this measurement are standard. The advantage of Korotkov's method is the correct result even when the hand moves. As for the disadvantages, these are: The
- measuring device has a high sensitivity to noise;
- the correctness of the results of the performed procedure directly depends on the qualification of the specialist;
- requires direct skin contact with the cuff;
- on technical grounds, this device is quite complex, so the result is not always correct;
- can only be measured correctly by specially trained medical personnel.
In order to conduct the procedure at home, a period of time should be studied for this process. What is the name of the device for measuring blood pressure in humans using the Korotkov method? It is called a tonometer.
Oscillometric measurement method
This method is a measurement of blood pressure using a special medical device - an electronic tonometer. This unit automatically calculates pulsations in the cuff through the squeezed part of the vessel. There are many advantages of using this device:
- procedure does not require special skills and knowledge;
- individual characteristics of the person who conducts the procedure, do not affect the result;
- noise in the room at the time of the procedure does not affect the result;
- cuff can be worn on clothes, it is not necessary to bare the brachial artery.
You can purchase an electronic blood pressure monitor at a pharmacy or a specialized medical equipment store. After that, you can easily measure blood pressure at home. This is especially true for people suffering from hypertension or hypotension. Monitoring this indicator at home will help avoid frequent hospital visits to measure pressure.
Rules for measuring blood pressure by the Korotkov method
It is very important to measure the pressure correctly. The algorithm of measuring the Korotkov method is to perform such manipulations:
- The patient should take a stable position. You can sit or lie, depending on the state of health of the patient.
- Release your hand from your clothes just above the elbow. It should be located at the heart level.
- Apply a cuff to the arm, a couple of centimeters above the elbow. Do not tighten tightly. Between the cuff and hand should be placed finger.
- Place a soft object under the elbow of the patient. The ideal option is a small pillow.
- To probe the pulse on the inner side of the elbow fold, attach the phantendoscope microphone.
- Fill the air cuff with a balloon until the ripple disappears.
- Unscrew the valve, this is required so that the air gradually descends.
- The appearance of the first tone indicates systolic pressure. The last loud tone followed by the normalization of the pulse is the diastolic pressure.
These manipulations are best performed on both hands, especially at the first measurement of blood pressure. If the indicators are the same, then in the future you can measure only on one hand. If they are still different, then the correct result is a higher pressure.
It's important to remember! The first study of blood pressure using Korotkov's method is better done repeatedly! This will help to get a more accurate result.
How to correctly measure pressure using an electronic tonometer
For carrying out the procedure for measuring this indicator using an electronic tonometer, special skills and knowledge are not required. Since the device automatically fixes systolic and diastolic pressure. All other manipulations are similar to the measurement of this indicator using Korotkov's method. Only you can not denude the upper limb.
How to choose a device for measuring blood pressure
In order to carry out the procedure at home, you need to choose the right instrument for measurement, taking into account the individual characteristics of a person suffering from pressure surges. When buying a tonometer, you should pay special attention to these points:
- the size of the cuff should correspond to the circumference of the hand;
- material of the cuffs should be made of natural fabric, the most suitable is seamless nylon;
- if a mechanical tonometer is purchased, then you should choose a dial with clear divisions and a metal casing;
- balloon is better to choose with a metal screw for lowering the air;
- electronic tonometer should be with a large display, it will show a more reliable and full result.
It's important to know! For home use it is better to purchase an electronic blood pressure monitor! It does not require special skills and knowledge to use.
Lower limb blood pressure study
This foot measurement is performed in the clinical setting due to the large amount of equipment. The standard points for applying the cuff are:
- upper part of the thigh surface;
- lower third of the thigh;
- surface just below the knees;
- lower part of lower leg above ankle.
This research method is more accurate. It is used in cases of difficulty in diagnosing hypertension or hypotension.
Preparatory process
In order to obtain the most accurate result, a patient must observe the following rules before measuring blood pressure:
- not to consume coffee and products containing caffeine an hour before the procedure;
- if the patient has such a bad habit as smoking, then you should abstain from it 30 minutes before the test;
- do not use drops for eyes and nose;
- 5 minutes before the procedure should be in a state of complete rest.
It's important to remember! Strict implementation of the above rules will help to identify blood pressure jumps!
Measurement in children
In order to measure in children this indicator, the consent of one of the parents is required. Also, a specialist who conducts a study should explain his need for a mom or dad. Tonometers for measuring this index in children should have narrower cuffs than in adults.
A specialist puts a cuff on the peripheral arteries of a child and gives him to remain in a state of complete rest for a few minutes. Then he begins to pump the cuff with air until the blood flow stops completely. Then, by releasing the air, the pressure on the artery gradually decreases. At this very moment, you should expect the first appearance of pulsation, listening to the fanendoscope. This is systolic pressure. The disappearance of the final tone shows the diastolic pressure.
Features of blood pressure
This indicator is individual for each person. In some people, low or high blood pressure is a working condition, in which there is no deterioration in well-being. It depends on many factors. The most common features are:
- in people whose professional activity is associated with heavy physical exertion, this indicator is higher than that of workers engaged in mental work;
- in men, the pressure is always higher than that of women at the same age;
- in the morning, the indicator is slightly reduced.
Also in people who are prone to nervous excitement, the pressure often rises.