How to choose a tonometer for home use - which device for measuring blood pressure is better( on the wrist, automatic, electronic and others) with reviews

The time is coming and every person suffering from hypertension, because of the need to constantly monitor the pressure, is thinking about how to choose a tonometer for home use. A small device will let you know when to take the medicine, as well as help to identify the causes that cause fluctuations in blood pressure. However, in a variety of tonometers, it is easy to get confused and get the wrong type or model of the device. That is why it is preliminary possible to study the main proposals of the market of modern medical equipment.

Types of devices for home use

Today, the leading sellers of medical equipment have two types of tonometers - mechanical and electronic. The latter are automatic and semi-automatic.

Mechanical tonometers many years ago firmly entered the life of users and have since occupied their niche in the market. They are fairly easy to use, because you only need to train to pump and release air, squeezing a special pear of rubber with a brush. Low cost, durability and error-free measurements are the main advantages of mechanics. However, in order to catch the tones of the upper and lower pressure, you need to have a rather thin ear.

The mechanical assembly consists of:

• pneumatic supercharger( pear);
• shoulder cuff;
• manometer( it is membrane or mercury);
• phonendoscope.

The human factor has a significant effect on blood pressure measurement data using a mechanical device. So there are certain errors in the obtained indicators, which can reach up to 15 mm Hg. If a person is unprofessional, then it is not necessary to count on reliable data.

When planning to use the device yourself, it is better to take a closer look at the tonometer when the manometer and air compressor are combined, and the phonendoscope is already mounted in the device.

Electronic tonometers are more perfect than their mechanical counterparts: in addition to the pressure, they measure the heart rate and other indicators, depending on the capabilities of the particular device. Phonendoscope in electronic tonometers is not provided. In the device there are indicators of arrhythmia, due to which it is possible to track malfunctions in the heart. The memory of the electronic device records the data of the last measurement. Due to this aspect, it is possible to monitor the level of blood pressure in the dynamics. These data will subsequently help the doctor to provide quality treatment. This type of tonometers differs in the ease of use and accuracy of measurement results. For the correct operation of the device, the user only needs to carefully read the instruction manual.

In order to measure the blood pressure level with a semi-automatic tonometer, it is necessary to fix the cuff on the shoulder and pump the air in by the second hand and the pear. The device operates on batteries, is equipped with a memory unit and guarantees the reliability of the readings, which are displayed on the electronic display.

. The automatic device is a small box with a display on the cuff. It has a compressor for autonomous air pumping and pressure in the cuff. The device is based on an oscillometric electronic measuring system. Air inside the cuff comes automatically after pressing a special button, not requiring human intervention. The device itself determines the pressure, calculates the pulse.

Automatic tonometers are designed for two types of fasteners:

• fixation on the shoulder;
• fixation on the wrist. The device is very compact, but not inferior in accuracy to other automatic tonometers. The device is designed for more convenient use, in particular, people with a large volume of the shoulder( for example, athletes).

An automatic or semi-automatic tonometer is ideal as a portable or home appliance. Both types of devices will reliably and qualitatively measure blood pressure, without requiring specialized skills from the user.

Selection criteria for

Before purchasing a tonometer, make sure that the device has all the necessary documents( passport, guarantee), where the address and other information about the manufacturer in Russian are indicated. A good device has an approximate life of 20 years, and the manufacturer's warranty is valid from 2 to 5 years.

Accuracy and fastness of measurement

The first thing to look for when buying a home tonometer: small errors as a result should not exceed 3 mm of mercury for pressure and 5 beats per minute for heart rate.

The accuracy of measurements at home is not only due to the quality of the device, but also depends on a number of reasons:

• voltage and motor activity;
• conversation with anyone;
• mechanical vibrations of the surface on which the arm in the cuff is located;
• frequent measurements in succession;
• body position, cuff tension.

Size and material of the cuff

To qualitatively fix the cuff( arm ruffle), note whether there is a special metal clip( clamp) that holds the shape and allows you to position the device in the way you need.

The shoulder cuff of the electronic tonometer has three dimensions:

• for children - 15-22 cm;
• standard - 22-32 cm;
• maximum - 33-42 cm.

As a rule, automatic devices are equipped with a standard cuff. The armband for fixation on the wrist is released in lengths from 13 to 20 cm. Also, if necessary, you can order a cuff of an individual size.

Armlets( cuffs) for mechanical tonometers are of the following length:

• from 7 to 12 cm;
• from 11 to 19 cm;
• from 18 to 26 cm;
• from 25 to 40 cm;
• from 34 to 51 cm;
• from 40 to 66 cm( hip).

They are produced nylon and cotton. More pleasant to the body is the sleeve of cotton. For use in medical institutions, it is more appropriate to use nylon variants, because of their convenient processing.

Operation of the device from the network

Shoulder automatic tonometers, as a rule, are supplied with a power cord from the network. This allows you not to spend money on the purchase of batteries, if the device is used at home. Also, there is no need to worry that the batteries will discharge at the most inopportune moment.

Portable devices with fixation on the wrist are designed primarily for operation from finger cells. Such devices are convenient for taking with you to the road, vacation, while relaxing in nature, etc.

Availability of additional functions of the

All automatic tonometers and semiautomatic devices have memory data blocks, a function of saving the charge, and an option that allows you to control the quality of the device. In addition, there are electronic clock and calendar.

But the greatest interest of users is caused by models with built-in specialized capabilities, which can boast of automatic tonometers. Examples of new technologies are additional functions: the

• cardiac arrhythmia indicator( PAD-technology).Violation of the heart rate negatively affects the reliability of the results. A special indicator will notify the user of the problem if it fixes an irregular heartbeat during the pressure measurement. The diagnostic function will also help to prevent possible complications associated with the presence of this pathology. A person will turn in time for cardiac care if the cardiac arrhythmia icon appears repeatedly;
• motion indicator. The sensor will work if a person moves during the procedure. The indicator immediately notifies you that the result is incorrect and you want to measure the pressure again;
• automatic calculation of average values ​​of indicators. Physiologically, human pressure fluctuates every minute. For a more objective picture of the state of the cardiovascular system, the developers came up with the option of an average pressure and pulse value based on the readings of the last three measurements;
• intelligent measurement technology Intellisense is a set of functions of a tonometer that allows you to make the most accurate measurements based on the individual characteristics of the user. During the procedure the device evaluates and takes into account the set of parameters: the pulse, the presence of arrhythmia, the necessary degree of compression of the artery. This eliminates the need for multiple measurements and ensures no distortion of the result. The technology is patented and used in devices of leading Japanese manufacturers - companies Omron and AND;
• saves data for multiple users. In other words, the memory of some devices is designed, in particular, to fix the guest's data. Different models store the results of the latest measurements( from 30 to 100).This allows you to monitor the pressure in the dynamics, including the date and time of each result. Switch between data from different users easily with just one button;
• index of morning hypertension. Regular high blood pressure in the morning means that a person is exposed to a heart attack - the risk is increased by 2 times - or a stroke( the risk increases by 6 times).Therefore, some tonometers are already equipped with an appropriate indicator. The device "remembers" the morning pressure readings of the owner. In case it is regularly high before lunch, a special warning icon will appear on the screen as a guide to the need to urgently consult a cardiologist;
• control of arm position. The function is present in the wrist tonometers and makes it clear whether the user's hand is positioned correctly. For correct measurement results, it should be at the chest level. The indicator will work if the sensor detects that the limb is in an unsuitable position;
• soundtrack. For the visually impaired and the elderly, in some models, a function is provided when the heart( pulse) is sounded during the measurement procedure. The tonometer also signals the beginning and end of its operation. The function can be started and disabled as needed.

Dimensions and weight of the tonometer also have significance. The smallest weighs compact devices on the wrist, but this figure also depends on the size and capabilities of the device.

Price policy

Prices for tonometers from well-known medical brands fluctuate in a wide range, ranging from simple models of economy class to "expensive" new-fashioned features of expensive options. Therefore, when choosing a device, you need to determine in advance the necessary set of parameters for you personally. Acquire the device is only for well-known manufacturers, specializing in the manufacture of medical equipment. Such today are the Japanese, German, British and Swiss brands of medical equipment:

• Omron is a Japanese multidisciplinary corporation. The manufacturer of electronic equipment, in particular, medical: tonometers and nebulizers( inhalers).For many years the company has been a leader in the medical equipment market in these segments. He takes an active part in the development of innovative products and technologies. It was founded in 1933;
• AND is a company specializing in the development of mechanical and digital measuring instruments. This Japanese brand has been working in the high-tech industry since 1977;
• Citizen is a Japanese holding company, the world's largest manufacturer of watches and other electronic devices. Year of foundation - 1930;
• Microlife is a Swiss profile medical corporation. Produces equipment for diagnosis since 1981;
• Meditech is an American provider of information equipment for healthcare. It was founded in 1969;
• Nissei is a trademark of tonometers from the Japanese company Nihon Seimitsu Sokki Co., Ltd. The company produces high-tech equipment and components since 1950;
• B.Well is a young British company, founded in 2004.Specializes in the manufacture of medical devices for the whole family. The mission of the company is the quality and affordability of the devices for any user;
• Rudolf Riester is a large German manufacturer of professional medical diagnostic equipment. The company was established in 1948.

Buying a tonometer according to the optimal "price-quality" ratio, it is worth looking at semi-automatic models with shoulder cuffs. To get an automatic machine at an affordable price is also realistic if you choose the device with classic options. The price for models with additional "intellectual" capabilities, naturally, can not be low.

The cost of a mechanical tonometer today starts at an average of 700-800 rubles. Semi-automatic machine can be purchased in the range from 1000 to 2200 rubles. The price of the device depends on how much it is multifunctional. The most expensive devices in the segment of home tonometers are automata. On their purchase will go on average from 2500 to 4000 rubles. Prices for professional innovative models of devices, presented in a wide sale, reach up to 10 thousand rubles.

Features of tonometers for the elderly

The blood pressure monitor should be present in every house where an elderly person lives. Hypertension is often associated with chronic age-related illnesses accumulated over the years of life. With a compact tonometer, fairly accurate, but easy to handle, any non-professional user can handle. The advantages for its owner in the form of successful treatment and prevention are obvious.

Choosing a tonometer for an elderly person should consider the following:

1. Despite the availability of the price of a mechanical tonometer and its quality, to use an elderly person to recommend it is difficult. Obvious minus: in handling it is desirable to have a certain skill or the possibility of physical involvement of another person in the process of measurement as an assistant. In addition, the device requires a good hearing, otherwise you just can not hear the upper and lower value of blood pressure. A pensioner should prefer the option of a semi-automatic or an automatic tonometer with a shoulder cuff, because the blood vessels of the forearm are better than the wrist.
2. For the elderly, a tonometer with an indicator of arrhythmia and morning hypertension is especially recommended, since they are in the zone of increased risk of heart and vascular problems caused by age-related body wear.
3. It is appropriate to pay attention to a model with a rather large screen and distinct large characters, as vision often brings people of age. If you have hearing problems, the soundtrack function will help you to use the device more conveniently.
4. People with diagnoses of tachycardia or atherosclerosis are shown a tonometer with a function of the mean of recent measurements.
5. It is important to choose the required cuff length. It is desirable that the future user tested the convenience and functionality of the device in the store before buying it. For this, an elderly person should put on a blood pressure monitor on his own, measure pressure and assess how it turned out to be practical and comfortable for him.

The most exotic type of tonometer measures pressure on the finger. Rather, it resembles a toy than a medical device. For serious diagnosis, it is still unsuitable due to strong errors in the measurement.

In general, before purchasing a tonometer for your parents or grandparents, it is better to consult their attending physician. He will certainly give some practical recommendations and money spent on buying will become a reasonable investment in the health of the native person.

Overview of popular tonometers( Omron, Microlife, B.Well, Citizen, Riester)

To choose the optimal tonometer that will meet the individual needs of the future user, you need to study the advantages of different types of instruments: functionality, dimensions, warranty and, of course, price.

Mechanical

Mechanical tonometers are designed primarily for medical facilities. However, there are models suitable for home use. Their cuffs, as a rule, are made of nylon or cotton, complemented by a special fixing clip;The pear is made of latex by seamless technology, which ensures the strength of the mechanism for air injection. The range of the manometer is from 20 to 300 millimeters of mercury. People with poor eyesight are advised to choose a device with a large diameter manometer( up to 15 cm).

Models that you should pay attention to:

1. B.Well WM-61 - a combination of affordable price and measurement accuracy. The manufacturer stated the high quality of the improved manometer.
   

   Mechanical tonometer B.Well WM-61 - high-quality and inexpensive device

2. Microlife BP AG 1-40.The device is favorably distinguished by the large size of the manometer and the enlarged cuff( 40 cm).Also, the model is remarkable in that the manometer with the pear is connected. The device is designed for professional and home use.

   

   Mechanical tonometer Microlife BP AG1-40 suitable for hospital and home use

3. Ri-San( Riester) 141 - a tonometer from a German manufacturer. Designed for self-measurement, equipped with a special D-ring locking ring. The most durable and accurate mechanical device. Ergonomic, suitable for right-handed and left-handed. Practical cuff with built-in fastening part-ring. Suitable for self-measurement of pressure even in the presence of cardiac rhythm failure. The only minus of the device is a rather high price.
   

   Mechanical tonometer Ri-San( Riester) 141 is a very well thought out model, but expensive

Semi-automatic

Semi-automatic tonometers are much more convenient to use independently at home. The pressure and pulse are measured automatically, the user only pumps the air with a pear. Among people suffering from unstable pressure, such semi-automatic models are in demand: Cititzen CH-308B, OMRON M1 Classic, Citizen, CITIZEN CH-302B, Omron S1, Microlife BP N1 Basic, Omron M1 Compact, B.Well WA-22H, OMRON M1Eco.

In comparison with mechanics, automata already have a number of additional functions, such as the diagnosis of arrhythmia, memory, the average result of recent measurements.

The most successful semi-automatic models:

1. The Microlife BP N1 Basic is one of the high-tech models in the semiautomatic segment. Swiss quality and increased accuracy class guarantee the maximum correctness of the results. Among the pluses are also:
   • memory for 30 measurements;
   • function of arrhythmia diagnosis( including at early stages);
   • accuracy of measurements of the raised class;
   • manufacturer's warranty for 5 years.
     

     Semi-automatic tonometer Microlife BP N1 Basic has a large amount of memory despite the affordable price

2. Omron S1 - a reliable device for a reasonable price. Its advantages:
   • large characters on the display( visible without glasses, even the elderly);
   • automatic storage in memory up to 14 results of the last measurements;
   • compact electronic unit;
   • universal cuff size and fan shape;
   • retainer-clamp for the possibility of independently putting the cuff on the shoulder;
   • average pressure calculation function;
   • five-year warranty on the device.
     

     Semi-automatic tonometer Omron S1 - reliable and inexpensive device

3. B.Well WA-22H.The tonometer is distinguished by a thoughtful and stylish visual solution. The manufacturer pays attention not only to the accuracy of the measurement, but also to the details creating additional usability. Other advantages include:

   • large display and large characters;
   • function to determine arrhythmia( even at the initial stage);
   • anti-shock protection of the electronic unit;
   • illumination of the control button;
   • "remembering" the data of the last measurement;
   • universal cuff with removable cover( for easy sanitization);
   • individual control of the degree of pressure in the cuff( the amount of air);
   • the ability to work from the network.
     

     The B.Well WA-22H tonometer cuff has a removable cover that can be easily washed

Automatic, including wrist

Automatic tonometers on the shoulder or wrist are an ideal choice for home monitoring of pressure changes. Devices of this type fully meet the requirements of all family members. A new generation of electronic automatic tonometers is not inferior in accuracy to measurements by professional mechanical devices.

In addition, innovative technologies such as Intronisense from Omron, PAD-technology( individual compression level cuffs) from Microlife, the indicators of arrhythmia contribute to effective prevention at home.

Professionals of medicine recommend choosing today exactly blood pressure tonometers.

Some of the most interesting models:

1. The Microlife BP A2 Basic is positioned as a universal device for the whole family at an affordable price in the segment of automatic devices. Main advantages:
   • technology of soft air pumping without excess pressure and pain;
   • definition of arrhythmia( at any stage);
   • memory for the last 30 measurements;
   • ability to track dynamics with a function of the average value for the period;
   • indicator of WHO standards( for comparing the measurement results with the norm);
   • control of arm position;
   • motion indicator.
     

     Microlife BP A2 Basic - automatic tonometer that diagnoses arrhythmia even at the initial stage. The

2. Omron M2 Basic with adapter - a device with Intellisense technology, provides comfort and accuracy of measurements. Guarantees the success of the procedure from the first time, the need for repeated measurements several times in a row is excluded. The main advantages of the tonometer:
   • technology Intellisense;
   • memory for the last 30 results;
   • energy saving( up to 1500 measurements with one set of batteries);
   • control with one button;
   • three-line display with large characters;
   • adapter for operation from the network in the kit.
     

     Omron M2 Basic automatic tonometer with adapter works on patented technology Intellisense

Table: main characteristics of popular models of tonometers

Which device to purchase for the correct measurement of blood pressure at home

Leading cardiologists believe that the ideal choice of a home tonometer is a semi-automatic or automatic device with a cuff on the shoulder, if users are over 40 years old. Young people are well suited wrist automatic models of famous Japanese, Swiss, German and other experienced manufacturers, specializing in the development and sale of medical equipment.

Video: how to choose a tonometer( opinion of a specialist)

Reviews

Blood pressure is an indicator of cardiovascular health. It is important to be able to monitor BP yourself at home. Modern medical equipment is developed taking into account increasing consumer needs. Portable tonometers are equipped with useful functions today, thanks to which it is possible to successfully prevent, correct and treat abnormalities. Having the necessary basic information, choose a tonometer of this type and brand, so that your individual needs are taken into account as much as possible.