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How Is Blood Pressure Measured

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood flowing through the blood vessels in the body. It's an important indicator of overall cardiovascular health and can give medical professionals valuable information about their patients' health status.

Blood pressure is typically measured using a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and a pressure gauge that measures the pressure of the blood flowing through the artery in the arm.

The monitor is able to determine two readings:

• Systolic blood pressure

  - pressure of the blood when the heart beats

• Diastolic blood pressure

  - pressure of the blood when the heart is at rest

When a medical professional uses a sphygmomanometer to measure a patient's blood pressure, they will first inflate the cuff to a pressure that is higher than the patient's blood pressure. The medical professional will then slowly release the pressure while listening for the sounds of blood flow through the artery in the arm using a stethoscope or the monitor itself.

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Systolic vs Diastolic: What's More Important?

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are important and should be considered when assessing a patient's blood pressure.

In general, a high systolic blood pressure reading (above 130 mmHg) is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease and other health issues than a high diastolic blood pressure reading. However, both readings are important to consider and evaluate in the context of the patient's overall health.

It's also important to note that blood pressure readings can vary throughout the day and can be affected by factors such as stress, physical activity, and medication. For this reason, it's recommended to take multiple readings over time to get a more accurate assessment of a patient's blood pressure.

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Automatic vs. Manual Blood Pressure Monitors

Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors

• Known as electronic or digital sphygmomanometers
• Measures blood pressure without the need for a stethoscope or manual inflation
• Typically consist of a cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm, a sensor that detects the brachial artery, and a display that shows systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings

Advantages of Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors

• Quick and easy to use
• Typically takes only a few seconds to provide a reading
• Typically equipped with advanced features such as multiple user profiles and data storage

Manual Blood Pressure Monitors

• Manual sphygmomanometers require a stethoscope and manual inflation of the cuff
• Healthcare professional inflates the cuff using a hand-operated bulb and listens to the sounds of blood flow through the brachial artery with a stethoscope. They then slowly release the pressure in the cuff to obtain the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
• Used by many medical professionals due to their accuracy and reliability.
• Do not require batteries or electricity

Both automatic and manual sphygmomanometers have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between them depends on a variety of factors, including the needs of the healthcare professional, the setting in which they will be used, and the patient population being served.

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Consider the Following When Choosing a Sphygmomanometer for your Medical Facility

Type of patients you serve:

• Should be appropriate for the age and health status of your patients
• Automatic blood pressure monitors are generally recommended for use with pediatric and geriatric patients, as they are less likely to cause discomfort and take less time to obtain a reading
• Manual blood pressure monitors may be more appropriate for adult patients with larger arm circumferences or irregular heartbeats, as they tend to be more accurate in these cases.

Level of training and skill of your staff:

• Manual blood pressure monitors require a higher level of training and skill to use effectively
• If your staff members are less experienced or have limited training, an automatic blood pressure monitor may be a better option.

Cost:

• Automatic blood pressure monitors tend to be more expensive than manual blood pressure monitors, but they may also provide additional features and benefits that are worth the investment.

Size and Portability:

• Lightweight and portable automatic blood pressure monitor may be the best choice If you need to transport the device between multiple medical facilities or locations
• Manual blood pressure monitors may be a better fit if you have limited space in your medical facility

By considering these factors, you can choose the best blood pressure monitor for your medical facility that will meet the needs of your patients, staff, and budget.