We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Sphygmomanometer?

By Adam Hill
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 14,377
Share

Among the many common tools used in a doctor’s office is one which we’re all familiar with, but whose real name is little-known. That device is the sphygmomanometer, which is used to measure blood pressure. The sphygmomanometer has been in wide use since the early 20th century, and consists of a cuff placed around the arm, as well as a device to measure the pressure at which blood flows freely, and the pressure at which blood flow is restricted.

When a sphygmomanometer is used, the cuff is inflated, usually around the upper arm, and the pressure is gradually released. A digital sphygmomanometer often operates at the touch of a button, and the blood pressure data is displayed on a digital screen. Many manual sphygmomanometers are also still in use, which usually require a medical professional to operate correctly.

In a manual device, the pressure is displayed as the height of a column of mercury in a tube. As the cuff is manually inflated, the height of the column increases, and then decreases as the pressure is released. While the cuff deflates, the doctor usually listens with a stethoscope to the main artery of the arm.

When the flow of blood begins to flow again after being stopped by the cuff, there begins to be a rushing or pounding sound that the doctor is able to hear through the stethoscope. The pressure at which this occurs is noted, and is called the systolic pressure. The cuff is allowed to further deflate, and the pressure at which the sound is no longer audible is also noted, and is called the diastolic pressure. These two values are the pair of numbers that are recognizable as a blood pressure value.

It is important that a person’s blood pressure be measured when he is relaxed, otherwise the reading will be falsely elevated. Hormones such as adrenaline can increase blood pressure dramatically by constricting blood vessels. A person who has just been severely startled, for example, will have an elevated blood pressure compared to someone who is watching television. Accurate readings are essential to determine the health of the heart and therefore the rest of the body.

The use of a manual sphygmomanometer, like many things in medicine, takes some practice before you can consistently get correct readings. For those with hypertension, however, this may be a valuable skill, since it is important in that case to measure your blood pressure frequently. Apart from the convenience involved, some patients get nervous when their blood pressure is taken by a doctor, sometimes referred to as lab coat syndrome. This can throw off the reading, so being able to measure your own blood pressure at home is not only convenient but also medically relevant.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-sphygmomanometer.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.