Which of the following is the best indirect method of measuring blood pressure?
4. What alternative measurement devices are there?The mercury sphygmomanometer is the device which has seen the longest use for indirect measurement of blood pressure. There are a number of alternatives, most of more recent origin. Show
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A variety of auscultatory devices use other means of measuring the pressure inside the cuff. Aneroid manometers, which contain no fluid, work by a system of bellows and/ or levers which move a pointer on a dial. Electronic devices measure the pressure in the cuff with an electrical transducer. They display the pressure in a readout, which can simulate a mercury column, an aneroid gauge, or simply display a number. A similar range of devices automate detection of the Korotkoff sounds , so that the operator does not need to listen. These automated auscultatory devices can, in principle, use any of the pressure sensing methods, but all have a microphone, electronic circuitry, and a display to indicate when the sounds are registering. Most commonly, the operator has to record the indicated pressure when a light begins flashing (for systolic pressure) and then again when it stops flashing (for diastolic ). These devices are mainly used at present for patients with an irregular heartbeat, for whom other modern methods are unsuitable, and for measuring blood pressure during exercise. The main alternative to the auscultatory method is the oscillometric technique, so-called because it detects changes or oscillations in the pulsation of the artery as the cuff is pressurised and depressurised. This method also appears in many automated devices, including ones which feature automated inflation and deflation of the cuff, and are especially suitable for home use and for 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. Some devices operate from the wrist or even the finger instead of the arm. The oscillometric technique does not yield systolic and diastolic pressures directly. The oscillations or vibrations of the artery which happen as the cuff pressure is increased or decreased reach a maximum at the mean arterial pressure. The incorporated electronics convert this recording of pressure waves into a readout of systolic and diastolic pressures, according to a computation which is specific to each model of the device. A few devices exist which combine methods. For example, some non-mercury devices for professional use incorporate automated electronic measurement using the oscillometric technique and auscultatory measurement by the operator. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Blood pressure is one of the four major vital signs, along with heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature. These vital signs can help give a general idea of a person’s overall health. Changes in a person’s vital signs can indicate an underlying health problem or a need to make lifestyle changes. The typical way to measure blood pressure is using a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure monitor, which consists of a measuring unit and a cuff. If a person uses a manual device, they will also need a stethoscope. People can buy a blood pressure machine to use at home or visit a doctor or pharmacy for testing. Blood pressure is the term for the amount of force that the blood places on the blood vessels in the body. A blood pressure reading includes two numbers that indicate the pressure inside the arteries as the blood flows through the body. The upper number, called the systolic pressure, measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart contracts to pump blood. The lower number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure inside the arteries as the heart rests between beats. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), normal blood pressure is anything below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Higher measurements often indicate that the heart is working too hard in pumping blood through the arteries. High blood pressure can occur due to many factors, including:
Accurate blood pressure readings are important, as high blood pressure often causes no symptoms. Some symptoms, such as a headache, may occur if blood pressure reaches or exceeds 180/120 mm Hg. At this point, the person may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis, which is severe hypertension requiring urgent medical care. Doctors use either electronic or mechanical machines to measure blood pressure in a clinic. In some cases, they may recommend monitoring and recording blood pressure at home. Monitoring blood pressure at home usually requires a machine that insurance may or may not cover. A doctor may recommend monitoring blood pressure at home if a person needs to know their blood pressure at specific times of the day or after taking certain medications. It is possible to take blood pressure without using a machine, but it is more difficult. How can Medicare help with monitoring blood pressure? To check blood pressure without the aid of an automated machine, a person will need several medical items:
A person who wishes to check their blood pressure manually should ensure that they select the correct size of manual cuff to get the most accurate reading. They can then follow these steps:
Doctors often use this type of monitor, as it is more accurate than a digital monitor. However, it can be more difficult for people to use at home. Share on PinterestJeffrey Coolidge/Getty ImagesThe easiest and most accurate way to measure blood pressure at home is to buy an automated blood pressure monitor with an upper arm cuff. The instructions for use may vary among machines, and a person should follow them carefully to ensure proper operation. If the instructions are difficult to understand, a local pharmacy or doctor’s office will be able to show a person how to operate the machine correctly. Doctors may ask a person to bring their at-home machine to the office during their next visit to compare it with the doctor’s reading and give an idea of accuracy. Using a high quality machine is important. Inaccurate readings can be misleading if they are too low or cause unnecessary stress if they are too high. If a person is checking their blood pressure at home as part of a treatment plan, inaccurate readings could lead to harmful changes in medications or treatments. People can buy a blood pressure monitor for home use here, but it may be a good idea to ask a doctor which brand they recommend. Apps and wrist devices are available that claim to measure blood pressure, but experts warn that these are often of poor quality. As a result, the readings may be inaccurate. They are not a reliable way to monitor a person’s health. However, apps that log blood pressure results may be helpful for people who need to take regular blood pressure tests. Recording a set of readings in these apps may help doctors identify trends in blood pressure and recommend treatments. Learn about some of the apps available. Blood pressure readings fall into the following categories: Normal blood pressure is anything below 120/80 mm Hg. However, a healthy number can vary among individuals. The numbers may change based on various factors, such as:
Some people’s blood pressure is higher when they are in a healthcare setting rather than going about their daily life. Doctors may refer to this phenomenon as white coat hypertension. Anyone uncertain about their target blood pressure should speak with a doctor for guidance. They should also do this if several readings show that their blood pressure is higher than usual. Medical advice is also necessary for people who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy, as some types of hypertension can put both the pregnant person and the fetus at risk. Anyone who experiences a systolic pressure higher than 180 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure over 120 mm Hg should seek emergency medical care, as this is a sign of a hypertensive crisis. When checking blood pressure at home, it is important that a person is:
People should check with a doctor which arm to use to take blood pressure if they have:
These conditions and factors can increase the risk of adverse effects, such as swelling due to lymphedema. It may be necessary to use the other arm or place the cuff around the calf instead. Various blood pressure monitors are available for home use. The tests that people take at home may not be as accurate as those that the doctor takes, but automated blood pressure monitors for home use can give an idea of whether a person’s blood pressure is within an acceptable range. Anyone concerned about their blood pressure readings should seek guidance from a doctor on the best ways to monitor and manage their blood pressure. Often, lifestyle choices can help manage high blood pressure. Examples include exercise, dietary choices, and stress management strategies. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe medications. Monitoring blood pressure at home can help a person know whether they need to seek medical help for hypertension. It can also help a doctor decide whether to adjust a person’s medications. What is indirect blood pressure measurement?The indirect method involves collapsing the artery with an external cuff, providing an inexpensive and easily reproducible way to measure blood pressure. The indirect method can be performed using a manual cuff and sphygmomanometer, a manual cuff and doppler ultrasound, or with an automated oscillometric device. Which is the most commonly used to measure blood pressure?To measure blood pressure, your doctor uses an instrument call a sphygmomanometer, which is more often referred to as a blood pressure cuff. The cuff is wrapped around your upper arm and inflated to stop the flow of blood in your artery. What are 3 types of instruments that are used to measure blood pressure?Measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer a cuff that can be inflated with air, a pressure meter (manometer) for measuring air pressure in the cuff, and. a stethoscope for listening to the sound the blood makes as it flows through the brachial artery (the major artery found in your upper arm). Which of the following is the best indirect method of measuring blood pressure?Indirect measurement techniques Oscillometric BP can be obtained with the use of an inflatable cuff around a limb or tail base, which is attached to a monitor. What is the indirect method of measuring blood pressure?In clinical practice, blood pressure is usually measured indirectly. The two most common methods of indirect blood pressure measurement are Doppler ultrasound using a sphygmomanome- ter and oscillometry. Both techniques use an inflatable cuff placed around an extremity.
Which method is best for measuring blood pressure?Intra-arterial measurement of BP is the most accurate method, capable of giving a continuous picture. Indirect recordings give a rough estimate of intra-arterial pressure but less information about the relationship between individual subjects and their environment.
What is the direct and indirect method of measuring blood pressure?Blood pressure ranges
MAP can be assessed with direct monitoring and with the oscillometric method of indirect measurement, but the Doppler method only measures systolic pressure.
Which instrument is used to measure blood pressure indirectly?A sphygmomanometer has three parts: a cuff that can be inflated with air, a pressure meter (manometer) for measuring air pressure in the cuff, and. a stethoscope for listening to the sound the blood makes as it flows through the brachial artery (the major artery found in your upper arm).
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