Measurement of Blood Pressure
Blood pressure monitors are available for the upper arm and the wrist. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic) arterial blood pressure are displayed.
Classic Blood Pressure Measurement
Classic blood pressure monitors consist of a cuff that is placed around the upper arm, a rubber bulb for inflation, and an analog pressure gauge. The rubber bulb and pressure gauge are connected to the cuff via hoses. A stethoscope is also required for measurement. After correctly applying the pressure cuff to the upper arm, it is inflated using the rubber bulb. As the air pressure is released, the blood pressure can be heard through the resulting Korotkow sound (turbulence sound) with the stethoscope. From this point, blood can flow through the vessel again. The turbulence sounds become audible and are noted as the systolic (upper) blood pressure value. The diastolic (lower) value is defined as the point at which the sounds disappear and the blood can flow through the vessel without turbulence - and thus silently.
There are some more modern blood pressure monitors in the classic design. These have an electronic sensor that replaces the stethoscope. Some of these devices can also measure the pulse rate.
Digital Blood Pressure Monitors
Digital blood pressure monitors perform an automatic measurement of arterial pressure. They automatically inflate at the push of a button and also release the air independently. In doing so, they determine the two blood pressure values and the pulse rate. These devices are now available at very low prices. A distinction is made between devices for measuring at the upper arm and devices for measuring at the wrist. Both methods are considered equivalent. However, there are design-related peculiarities. Wrist devices are easier to use. However, great attention must be paid to the correct hand position with the measurement point at heart level. This is almost automatically given with upper arm devices. However, for measurement, it may be necessary to remove clothing.
Blood Pressure Monitors with Certification Seal
A commercially available blood pressure monitor must comply with the regulations of the Medical Devices Act. However, this law only states that medical devices are safe and sufficiently functional. It does not prescribe measurement accuracy. The German Hypertension League awards a seal for devices it has tested: the certification seal of the German Hypertension League. The testing is carried out by an independent institute that is unknown to the manufacturer. The test is conducted according to a comprehensive testing protocol with at least 96 subjects - more than the Medical Devices Act prescribes. The testing conditions are precisely defined and uniform.
Articles in this category:
- How can you regularly monitor your blood pressure?
- Blood Pressure Measurement
- Blood Pressure Pass and Blood Pressure App
- Blood pressure monitor for the wrist or upper arm?
- Blood pressure measurement oscillometric or according to Korotkow?
- Blood Pressure Measurement at the Doctor's (according to Korotkow)
- How accurate are blood pressure monitors?
- Blood Pressure Monitor Wrist
- When is a wrist blood pressure measurement not suitable?
- Blood Pressure Monitor Upper Arm
- When is a blood pressure measurement on the upper arm not suitable?
- Blood Pressure Cuffs
- Long-term Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Blood Pressure Monitors Test
- Measure Blood Pressure on the Right or Left?
- Does the clothing need to be removed for measurement on the upper arm?
- Error in Blood Pressure Measurement
- Measuring Blood Pressure Correctly
- When to Measure Blood Pressure?
- Approval of Blood Pressure Monitors
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (12/2023).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.
Related Articles:
- Blood Pressure Monitors Test
- Blood Pressure Cuffs
- Blood Pressure Measurement with App, Smartwatch, Fitness Tracker, and Co.
- Blood Pressure Monitors
- Measurement of Blood Pressure
- Approval of Blood Pressure Monitors
- Blood Pressure Monitors Test
- Blood Pressure Cuffs
- Blood pressure measurement with app, smartwatch, fitness tracker, and more.
- Blood Pressure Monitors
