Blood Pressure Equipment

When a medical practitioner asks you to keep a record of your blood
pressure at home, you are in genuine need of blood pressure equipment,
which is generally referred to as sphygmomanometer. This blood pressure
measuring mechanism comprises a cuff, a pressure register system and a
stethoscope. However, there are some pressure-measuring devices which
work by a combined effort of these three equipments. Sphygmomanometer
is a kind of blood pressure equipment which comes in three specific
varieties – mercury, aneroid and automatic. The automatic pressure
reading device works on batteries and they even have a digital read
out. These are also blessed with the capacity to print out readings.

The mercury sphygmomanometer

This
is a kind of blood pressure equipment which you will find in most
doctor’s chambers and surgical rooms. This equipment is durable, easy
to read and if you want to use it for years you can use any
readjustment with the device. Sphygmomanometer is directly related to
gravitational force and it enables you to come up with accurate and
consistent reading.

This blood pressure equipment consists
a long tubular gauge which has been prepared with either glass or
plastic. There is mercury inside the gauge. Any model of mercury
sphygmomanometer makes use of a D cuff and a separate stethoscope
attached to the device for a better reading process. Models which
generally come with D cuff are perfect for home use because with this
device you can measure your own blood pressure and have the reading
yourself.

Disadvantages of a mercury sphygmomanometer

However,
such equipment is not suitable for home use for it is quite heavy to be
moved from one place to another. Moreover, if mercury leaks from the
gauge in any way the consequence can be dangerous. This blood pressure
equipment is usually padded for durability, but this has made the
device harder causing hindrance in smooth transportation. Moreover, you
need to position this machine well for a perfect and accurate reading.

The
mercury in the gauge of this blood pressure equipment does not work
well for people who are suffering from visual and hearing problems.
Moreover, some people may also find it difficult to squeeze the bulb in
order to deflate the D cuff. Thus, despite its several pros, mercury
sphygmomanometer suffers from specific cons too.

Aneroid Sphygmomanometer

This
blood pressure equipment is extremely light in weight and it can be
easily moved from one position to another. This is much lighter than
mercury sphygmomanometer. You don’t have to pay much to buy a model of
aneroid sphygmomanometer because it is extremely affordable. If you are
directly looking at the machine you can have the reading from the gauge
from any desired position.

Other features of aneroid blood pressure equipment

It has D-ring cuff meant for one handed application
It has a self bleeding deflation valve so that you can read with increased accuracy
You can read the machine easily
It has an extra large gauge
This blood pressure equipment usually has a built-in and attached stethoscope

Disadvantages of aneroid sphygmomanometer

The
machine is quite difficult to handle for it is quite complicated. An
aneroid machine needs to be checked annually and especially when it
encounters a blow. If you don’t have the proper knowledge you may not
be able to handle this blood pressure equipment properly and once
damaged the machine needs to be sent for factory repair and
readjustments. This blood pressure equipment is not so suitable for
those who have problems with hearing and seeing and also for those who
cannot move their hands properly. Thus, they find it difficult to
squeeze the bulb and inflate the cuff.

Automatic sphygmomanometer

This
is indeed an innovation par excellence. You can use the machine quite
easily and you have less chances of making mistakes while handling the
equipment. Automatic sphygmomanometer is simply a boon for all disabled
people. This is a portable blood pressure equipment having a D-ring
cuff for one handed application. The cuff has been designed so as to
properly fit properly around your wrist or cuff.

Features of automatic blood pressure equipment

Inflation and deflation systems
A large size
Easy to read digital display
Error indicator
Provisions for reading printouts
Built in pulse measurement

Disadvantages of automatic sphygmomanometer

This
blood pressure equipment is extremely flimsy, complicated and
erogenous. However, the accuracy of the machine needs checking by
comparing the device with a mercury sphygmomanometer. This device is
quite costly and it has to be backed up with batteries and an AC
adapter for large arm cuffs. When you can detect fault in the working
of the machine you can send the device to the factory for repair and
readjustments.