Pulse Wave

About Pulse Wave:

BP Apparatus and Sphygmomanometers are bought by many people these days. There was a time when blood pressure was a complaint only of the elderly. But stress, lifestyle changes, change in food habits have all played a part in making hypertension a commonly seen malady even in the young. Hypertension is of one of the disorders that has most ramifications on the human body. Hypertension targets the kidneys, the heart, the brain and the eyes. Hypertension weakens the veins and arteries as they are under constant pressure and there is danger of hemorrhaging.

Once hypertension is confirmed, it is important to monitor BP regularly so that the patient is aware of fluctuations. Many studies conducted by doctors have revealed that Indians are predisposed to heart diseases because they have thin arteries genetically. Those days when a BP apparatus was found only in a doctor’s bag has changed. These instruments are increasingly seen in many households.

Blood pressure is measured by a sphygmomanometer. Sphygmomanometer comes in two types, manometric or digital. The digital technology is used in most BP apparatus.  These machines come with a cuff that can be worn on the arm and inflated. The blood pressure reading is displayed on a small screen. This is a machine that non-medical find easy to use. Omron BP Monitor Upper Arm is a user friendly piece. Its other features are

• Automatic alarm for out of range readings
• One touch reading
• Oscillometric measurement
• Pulse reading has 5% plus minus accuracy rate
• 4AA batteries last for about 300 readings

Omron BP Monitor Wrist is also a digital piece where the cuff is fastened on the wrist instead of the upper arm. The wrist type machine is not as accurate as the upper arm type. Most BP monitors also read the pulse and the heart beat. Most of the cuffs inflate automatically and deflate when the reading is over. Sometimes the machine gives inaccurate readings if there is movement or if the arm is not placed properly.

Dr Morepen BP Monitor has a flat machine that does not occupy much space. The slanting machine makes reading the screen easy. This too has a good accuracy rate. It has memory storage of 21 readings. Aneroid BP Machines work with a mercury column. Many doctors still prefer that because it produces the most accurate readings. But the aneroid sphygmomanometer cannot be used by the patient for a self-reading.