From mercury sphygmomanometer to electronic sphygmomanometer, no matter how it is updated or changed, the cuff that the sphygmomanometer is attached to the arm will not be abandoned. You may not know that the cuff of the sphygmomanometer looks ordinary, it seems that it doesn’t matter if it is loose or tight, but in fact, an inappropriate cuff may make your blood pressure inaccurate.
1. What is the use of the cuff of the sphygmomanometer?
For hypertensive patients, correct monitoring and recording of blood pressure is also an important part and important basis for hypertension treatment. How is blood pressure measured?
Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on blood vessels during the flow of blood vessels. It is divided into systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. In order to measure the value of blood pressure, a certain pressure must be given to the blood vessel first, so that the blood vessel is completely squeezed and occluded, and then the pressure is slowly released. Systolic pressure is the pressure that occurs when blood rushes out of the blood vessel, and diastolic pressure is the pressure that the blood vessel bears without any external force.
Therefore, in the measurement of blood pressure, it is very important to squeeze the blood vessels, and this key link is completed by squeezing the left upper arm with the cuff.
2. The cuff is inappropriate, and the blood pressure is misdiagnosed and missed
Many people often complain that blood pressure is always inaccurate. There are many factors that affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. One of the most easily overlooked points is the cuff. The length, tightness and placement of the cuff will directly affect the measurement results.
3. Tailor your clothes and learn to pick cuffs
To measure blood pressure accurately is a very important thing. Just like when we buy clothes, it must be tailor-made and comfortable to wear. Therefore, when measuring blood pressure, we must choose the appropriate size of the cuff according to our upper arm circumference.
Cuff size reference for adults.
1. Thin arm cuff:
Slim Adult or Juvenile – Extra Small (dimensions 12 cm x 18 cm)
2. Standard cuff:
Upper arm circumference 22 cm ~ 26 cm – adult small (size 12 cm × 22 cm)
Upper arm circumference 27 cm ~ 34 cm – adult standard size (size 16 cm × 30 cm)
3. Thick arm cuff:
Upper arm circumference 35 cm ~ 44 cm – adult large size (size 16 cm × 36 cm)
Upper arm circumference 45 cm ~ 52 cm – adult oversized or thigh cuff (dimensions 16 cm x 42 cm)
4. What should I do if the sphygmomanometer cuff is not suitable?
The arm circumference of most people’s upper arms is about 22~30cm. Generally, blood pressure monitors use standard cuffs, which can meet the needs of blood pressure measurement.
If you are very thin or fat, how can you get different types of cuffs?
When purchasing a blood pressure monitor, you can consult the pharmacist or salesperson at the pharmacy to choose the appropriate length of the cuff. If it is not available at the time, you can order it from the corresponding manufacturer, such as thick arm cuffs and extended straps, and thin arm cuffs to customize the appropriate length.
Post time: Mar-28-2022