What is Sphygmomanometer?

Health and Wellness » Blood Pressure Care in India » What is Sphygmomanometer

Previous knowledge about what is sphygmomanometer is good as it helps to use it effectively. It is a device that helps out people suffering from the problem of blood pressure to keep a track of their BP levels. Numerous health care books as well as online information provide effective and practical guidelines on the uses of a sphygmomanometer that can be sensibly used to get the desired results.

Till seventeenth century, there were not any suitable and effective provisions to measure blood pressure in humans. During eighteenth century, some physicians experimented on devices to calculate human BP. They came up with a basic design for sphygmomanometer which helped them to measure accurate blood pressure in a clinically controlled setup. This device helped to get an idea about the average BP of a person to understand the ill-effects of high and low BP in humans. Moreover, it helped to understand the consequence of factors like a change in diet and life-style of a person on the BP levels of a person.

Invention of Sphygmomanometer

The word sphygmomanometer originates from the Greek word 'sphygm's' that means 'pulse'. Whereas the scientific term 'manometer' depicts 'pressure meter'.

This instrument was actually invented in 1881 by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch. He made use of a rubber bulb and filled it with water, so that pressure can be applied on the arteries till pulse disappears. The rubber bulb used herein was attached to a mercury manometer which performs the task of measuring pressure of a fluid. This way, the total pressure needed to prevent the pulse was interpreted as the blood pressure reading. However, this device's place was taken over in 1896 by Scipione Riva-Rocci who introduced an easier version of it. Further, in 1901, Harvey Cushing discovered the BP measuring device sphygmomanometer and made it famous in the medical world.

What is Sphygmomanometer?

A sphygmomanometer is a BP monitoring instrument which revolutionized the world of measuring BP in humans. In the early days of medical world, there wasn't any effective device to keep a track of the fluctuations in human BP. With constant experimentation, numerous medical practitioners came up with several devices which evolved with time and developed into present day's sphygmomanometer.

Present day's sphygmomanometer is a BP measuring device that comprises of an inflating cuff like material which restricts the flow of blood. Besides this, it also contains mercury or mechanical manometer which performs the task of measuring the blood pressure. This device is used to find out at what pressure the blood starts flowing and at what pressure it is unobstructed. Apart from this, manual sphygmomanometers are also used in combination with a stethoscope to calculate BP in human beings.

As a rule, the unit of measurement of BP is millimeters of mercury (mmHg) which is given as an even number. What is sphygmomanometer can be understood by conducting a good research.

What are the Different Types of Sphygmomanometers?

Basically, there are three types of sphygmomanometers: These are:
1) A digital sphygmomanometer with manual or automatic inflation,
2) Digital portable finger blood pressure monitor with automatic inflation and
3) A manual sphygmomanometers. These devices are easily available in the market that can be ordered online as well.

Basically, electronic sphygmomanometers are easy to operate as they can be sensibly put to use in a raucous environment. This instrument does not actually measure the BP, but helps to derive the BP readings of a person. On the other hand, digital oscillometric monitors need to be kept at the level of your heart to take the BP reading, while a manual BP measuring device needs to be used by a skilled person. Common people with basic knowledge cannot get the exact details of the BP readings.

Measuring BP at Home

A hectic and fast paced life makes it difficult for many to visit a physician to check their BP. Moreover, inadequate knowledge on how to use BP monitoring devices at home makes it complicated. However, it is easy to learn it by making use of the instructions given in the booklets of the devices or by surfing on internet. Nowadays, digital sphygmomanometers are available in the market which makes the process of measuring fluctuations in BP at home extremely simple.