Introduction: In recent years, hypertension as a common chronic problem, more and more people have attracted more and more attention, with the number of hypertension patients continues to rise, many people are aware of the importance of preventing hypertension, and began to take some measures to monitor their blood pressure levels.
In order to facilitate blood pressure monitoring anytime and anywhere, many people choose to buy a blood pressure monitor at home, as a device that can read blood pressure values, it can not only help people understand their high and low pressure status, but also effectively monitor their heart rate, so as to fully grasp their physical condition.
At the same time, many people will give their parents or elders a blood pressure monitor on holidays or parents' birthdays to show filial piety, so that the elderly can regularly monitor their blood pressure levels and help prevent high blood pressure problems.
However, many people use a blood pressure monitor to measure their blood pressure, only to find that their blood pressure level will get lower and lower, why is this because the electronic blood pressure monitor purchased is not accurate?
First of all, let's understand how an electronic blood pressure monitor works
Oscilloscope
The working principle of the oscillometric method is that the oscillometric sphygmomanometer uses the oscillating pulse generated by the oscillator to act on the cuff, which blocks the blood flow of the brachial artery, and the oscillating pulse transmits the signal change through the surrounding tissues.
In the process of rapid cuff deflation, the amplitude of the oscillation wave generated by the elastic retraction force of the blood vessel wall and blood flow is detected, and the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure can be calculated by conversion.
Offset sounds
The working principle of the Offset tone method is that after the cuff is pressurized to block the blood flow of the brachial artery, the Offset tone sphygmomanometer gradually decompresses the gap between the cuff and the upper arm, and the air flows through the gap to form a vibration, which is transmitted to the stethoscope, and the blood pressure value is calculated by measuring the amplitude and frequency of this vibration wave.
What is the difference between a mercury sphygmomanometer and an electronic sphygmomanometer?
Measuring principle
A mercury sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure by measuring the height of the mercury column and moves the mercury column up and down according to the change in pressure.
Whereas, an electronic sphygmomanometer uses sensors and electronic devices to measure blood pressure, and it usually determines the blood pressure value by inflating and detecting the flow rate of the arterial pulse.
Usage
Mercury sphygmomanometers need to be operated by professionals, and the operation process is cumbersome, requiring a stethoscope to listen to the sound of blood flow.
Electronic blood pressure monitors, on the other hand, are usually simpler, simply attaching the cuff to the upper arm and pressing the start button to perform automatic measurements.
precision
Mercury sphygmomanometers are widely recognized as an accurate way to measure blood pressure because the vertical height of the mercury column can provide more precise readings, while the accuracy of an electronic sphygmomanometer can be affected by the quality of its sensors and the conditions of use.
Portability and usability
Mercury sphygmomanometers are comparatively bulky and unportable, require use on a fixed, stable surface, and need to be placed vertically, while electronic blood pressure monitors are usually smaller and lightweight, and can be carried around, making them more suitable for daily monitoring.
What is the normal blood pressure value?
In general, the blood pressure range for a normal adult is 90-140mmHg systolic and 60-90mmHg diastolic, however, normal blood pressure values may vary for older people or people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure.
A systolic blood pressure between 90-140mmHg is considered normal for the average adult, and if the systolic blood pressure is below 90mmHg, it may be considered hypotension. If the systolic blood pressure is higher than 140mmHg, it may be considered high blood pressure.
At the same time, diastolic blood pressure between 60-90 mmHg is considered normal, if the diastolic blood pressure is below 60 mmHg, it may be considered hypotensive, and if the diastolic blood pressure is above 90 mmHg, it may be considered hypertension.
Why does the electronic sphygmomanometer get lower and lower the more it is measured? Is the electronic sphygmomanometer inaccurate? The doctor explained it clearly
Electronic blood pressure monitors do not get lower and lower, and there are many things to pay attention to when measuring blood pressure, only by choosing an accurate blood pressure monitor and using the correct measurement method can you accurately measure blood pressure.
[Incorrect wearing]
If you feel like your blood pressure level is getting lower and lower when measuring your blood pressure with an electronic blood pressure monitor, it may be due to an inaccurate measurement result caused by an incorrect way of using or wearing it.
The doctor reminds everyone that it is very important to use electronic blood pressure monitors and medical equipment correctly, and that when wearing electronic blood pressure monitors, it is necessary to ensure that the cuff is properly positioned and tightened.
The cuff should be located at the brachial artery of the upper arm and be moderately tightened to ensure accurate measurements, as if the cuff is too loose or too tight, it may result in inaccurate measurements.
【Patient's emotional problems】
In the process of measuring blood pressure, the patient's mood swings have a significant impact on blood pressure values, and when people are in a strong emotional state such as excitement or anger, the heart rate will accelerate, resulting in fluctuations in blood pressure, and the results of measuring blood pressure may not be accurate.
Therefore, before taking a blood pressure measurement, it is recommended that the patient rest for a period of time to calm down the mood gradually, and then take the blood pressure measurement in a stable state, and the blood pressure value will usually be lower than the previous measurement.
This is because emotional stability helps to reduce heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations, resulting in more accurate blood pressure values, which is one of the reasons why blood pressure levels are getting lower and lower when measured multiple times with an electronic blood pressure monitor.
【Vasoconstriction】
To measure blood pressure, we need to wrap the cuff around the brachial artery of the upper extremity for measurement, however, if the measurement is taken multiple times, the cuff will exert pressure on the blood vessel multiple times.
This pressure may stimulate the constriction of blood vessels, and as the number of measurements increases, the constriction of the blood vessels increases, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to a gradual decrease in blood pressure during successive blood pressure measurements.
In order to avoid this situation, when measuring blood pressure continuously, the next measurement can be performed at an interval of 5-10 minutes, which can allow the blood vessels to get sufficient rest, reduce the pressure of the cuff on the blood vessels, and thus avoid the phenomenon of vasoconstriction and blood pressure reduction.
Do you choose to measure blood pressure in the left arm or the right arm?
In fact, it mainly depends on the individual's Xi and comfort, in general, most people choose the right arm for measurement, because the right hand is usually more flexible than the left hand, so it is also easier to measure blood pressure.
However, for some people, choosing the left arm may be more appropriate, for example, some people may have higher or lower blood pressure on the right side due to physical reasons, such as a history of heart disease, stroke, or surgery, in which case it may be more accurate to choose the left arm for measurement.
In addition, some physicians may recommend that certain patients choose the left arm for measurements, either because they believe that blood pressure readings in the left arm may be more representative, or because the patient's specific medical history requires data to be taken from a different arm.
If you do not pay attention to these 4 points in blood pressure measurement, you may not be able to measure accurately
posture
The correct posture for measuring blood pressure is very important, the test person should sit in a comfortable chair with their feet flat on the floor, their back and arms supported, and the test person's arms should be relaxed and level with the heart, avoiding excessive flexion or extension.
Cuff selection and installation
The cuff should be of the right size for the size of the subject's upper arm and should be fitted correctly, the cuff should be positioned close to the skin, but not too tight, and two finger widths should be inserted between the cuff and the skin.
The cuff should be properly placed in the middle of the subject's upper arm, not too close to the elbow or shoulder.
Relax and rest
Before measuring blood pressure, the person being tested should sit still for at least 5 minutes to ensure a stable heart rate. In addition, the test subject should remain relaxed and avoid talking or moving their arms as much as possible when taking the measurement.
Number of measurements
In order to obtain accurate blood pressure measurements, it is recommended to take at least two consecutive measurements, 1-2 minutes apart, and record the results of each measurement, as blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and multiple measurements can provide a more reliable average.
How can I tell if an electronic blood pressure monitor is accurate?
Compare calibration with professional institutions
An electronic blood pressure monitor is compared to a calibration device provided by a medical professional or manufacturer, and the blood pressure of the same person is measured under the same conditions to see if the readings are consistent.
If the readings differ widely, there may be an error in the electronic sphygmomanometer and further investigation is needed.
Observe the stability of the measurement results
Measure the blood pressure of the same person multiple times in a row, observe the stability of the measurement results, if the measurement results fluctuate greatly, it may indicate that the accuracy of the electronic blood pressure monitor is not high.
Check the appearance and functionality of the device
Check the appearance of the electronic sphygmomanometer for damage or wear and tear, as it may affect its accuracy if there is an obvious problem with the device, such as an unclear display or malfunctioning keys.
How can I improve my high blood pressure in my life?
Dietary modifications
Adopting healthy Xi eating habits is important to control high blood pressure. It is recommended to reduce sodium (salt) intake, choose low-sodium foods, and limit the intake of processed and salty foods.
At the same time, increase your intake of foods high in potassium and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats, and limit your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol foods to maintain a healthy weight.
Increase physical activity
Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, etc. In addition, moderate strength training can also help control high blood pressure, and it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking
Alcohol consumption and smoking are not good for people with high blood pressure, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, preferably no more than 7 standard drinks per week (men) or 3 standard drinks (women).
If you smoke, you should quit as soon as possible because the chemicals in tobacco can cause blood pressure to rise and blood vessels to constrict, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.