Hello everyone! I continue to summarize and post in a condensed form my experience in electronics repair. I present my Top 10 most common malfunctions of tonometers, which was born as a result of accidental repairs of medical equipment and communication with other Masters. I won’t say that I’m a great specialist in this area, but I came across some things and successfully fixed them. Let's start the rating. The locations of malfunctions of tonometers and blood pressure meters are sorted by the frequency of occurrence of the malfunction.
Appearance
The body of the device is made in a modern design from high-quality material. The tonometer consists of an electronic unit and a cuff. The LCD display has 3 lines with large numbers that show lower pressure, upper pressure and pulse. In addition, the device is equipped with arrhythmia and blood pressure indicators. Using a blood pressure indicator, you can determine the risk of arterial hypertension, which is certainly very convenient for hypertensive patients.
AND UA-777 tonometer combines the best functions of automatic tonometers
The tonometer has a built-in memory cell for the last 90 measurements (with calculation of average values). The cuff is placed on the forearm and is adjusted depending on the girth of the arm (22-32 cm). Thanks to the intelligent Intellitronics program, the cuff is inflated smoothly and automatically. The device measures blood pressure and pulse.
The device is controlled by just one button, which allows it to be used by people without special skills. Operation is possible both from alkaline batteries and from an AC adapter.
Causes of hypertension
Modern science does not identify a separate reason that would lead to the development of arterial hypertension. It is believed that this is a multifactorial disease, the progression of which is caused by a combination of many external and internal environmental factors.
Reasons that increase the risk of hypertension include:
- Impaired carbohydrate tolerance and diabetes mellitus.
- Metabolic syndrome, obesity.
- Liver diseases.
- Kidney pathologies.
- Electrolyte imbalance.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol.
- Using a lot of salt.
Together with a hereditary predisposition, this creates conditions for disruption of the regulation of vascular tone, which leads to the appearance of high blood pressure. At the same time, a universal method for early diagnosis of hypertension is regular determination of blood pressure.
Operating rules
To make correct measurements on the AND UA-777 tonometer, you need to follow the instructions:
- The device cannot be used at temperatures below 10° C or above 40° C, and the relative humidity should not exceed 85%.
- Before using the device, you must install batteries or connect the adapter to the electrical network. The display has special sensors that allow you to monitor the charge level of the tonometer.
- After the device is ready for use, it is necessary to place the cuff on the forearm so that it is at the level of the heart and 2 cm above the elbow.
- The tube through which the air is pumped should run along the hand parallel to the middle finger.
- The device is started/switched off using the “Start” key.
After the data is displayed on the screen, the cuff can be removed, and if necessary, save the results using the “Memory” button.
Reviews:
I have been suffering from hypertension for 3 years now. The doctor immediately said that I needed to measure my blood pressure every day, otherwise it would be difficult to choose the right dosage of medications. At first I used an old mechanical one, but measuring it myself was completely inconvenient. That's why I bought this machine gun, which I don't regret. It's fast, easy and even records an archive, which is very convenient.
I heard that previously automatic devices gave inaccurate results, but now this is no longer true. When I was in the hospital, I specially took my tonometer to check it too. The result coincided with what the mechanics showed, so I’m happy with the purchase. The main thing is that the device is small, you can easily take it to work and fit into your bag without any problems.
I don’t understand these devices, but my son said that it’s impossible without a tonometer. I read reviews for a long time and chose. In the end I took this one. As for me, it’s a little expensive, but it’s very comfortable and well made - nothing clicks, the cuff doesn’t stretch and fits well to the hand.
I took this tonometer because I needed a reliable and simple device. And it comes with a 7-year warranty, and it’s quite easy to use; you just need to press a couple of buttons to easily measure pressure. I think parents will like this, since they usually do not like equipment with complex controls.
I bought it on the recommendation of a friend; I think it’s a must to have something like this at home. What if someone has a crisis, and it wouldn’t be superfluous to just measure your blood pressure; I think that you need to take care of your health. I'm happy with everything about the device, I liked the cuff - it hardly puts pressure on my arm.
Electronic tonometer A&D UA 777 Tonometer A&D UA-888: Review and testing Electronic tonometer A&D UA 604
Features of interpretation of results
The monitor of the device displays lower pressure, upper pressure and pulse. If the user has an abnormal heart rhythm, a special “heart” icon will appear. The WHO scale shows the degree of risk of the disease. If it reaches the red mark, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. This may signal serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
Classification of blood pressure levels according to WHO
To make sure that the data is correct, it is better to measure the pressure again after 10-15 minutes on the other hand. To obtain the most accurate data, you should remember that there are factors due to which indicators can be either overestimated or underestimated. These include:
- Excessive physical activity;
- Nervous tension;
- Full stomach;
- Increased body temperature;
- Sudden movements during the measurement procedure.
To avoid inaccuracies, pressure should be measured no earlier than 30-40 minutes after playing sports, eating food, drinking alcohol, or smoking tobacco. The measurement is taken in a calm state, in a comfortable position, sitting on a chair, breathing should be even and calm. Only in this case can you get the most accurate results.
Rules for measuring pressure
To avoid the influence of extraneous factors and determine blood pressure levels as accurately as possible, you should remember several rules. There is no need to carry out the procedure immediately after physical or emotional stress. Before starting, it is advisable to catch your breath a little and calm down. After this, the cuff is put on the shoulder so that it fits tightly to the skin, but does not put pressure on the arm.
After pressing the button, you only have to wait a few seconds. At the same time, you need to relax your hand and turn your palm up. After this, the screen will display the systolic and diastolic pressure numbers, as well as the number of heartbeats per minute. If an arrhythmia is detected, this will be indicated separately. Unless special instructions have been made, the device itself determines how much air to pump in and how quickly to release it, which speeds up the process.
This is interesting! In healthy people, the pressure on different hands differs slightly. However, if the difference becomes more than 20 mm Hg. Art., this may be a sign of pathology.
Using the norms stored in the computer, the device also evaluates the pressure level and helps the patient navigate using a special color scale. The result is saved automatically. The memory contains up to 90 measurements, they can be easily viewed by opening the archive.
Advantages of the UA-777 tonometer
The device has several advantages that can help when choosing a particular measuring device:
- Affordable price.
- Availability of memory for 90 measurements.
- Arrhythmia indicator.
- Easy to use, which is important for older people.
- Extended warranty period.
- Fully Russified description in the instruction manual.
Also a big plus is that there is a scale by which you can determine the degree of risk of arterial hypertension.
Tonometer readings indicating the risk of arterial hypertension
Common breakdowns
When measuring blood pressure, a letter or number code may appear on the screen. This is mistake. In the instructions you can find existing combinations and explanations for them. This makes it possible to quickly find a problem and fix it without sending the equipment for repair.
Main damage to the tonometer:
- compressor breakdown;
- power failure;
- failure of the indicator measurement program.
If the compressor breaks down, the tonometer will not force air into the cuff. The device will turn on, the screen will light up and the corresponding error code will be displayed. If no error information is displayed on the screen, damage to the compressor can be determined by the condition of the cuff. It will not compress the artery. If air does not flow, you must first rule out mechanical damage to the hose or rupture of the cuff, and then check the compressor.
The power failure is related to the batteries. If the device uses simple AA batteries, you should first try replacing them. If the device does not work after replacing the batteries, you can go to a service center. When power does not flow to the device, the problem is in the connecting contacts.
Some modern devices are sold with built-in batteries. This is convenient because you don’t have to constantly buy batteries. The removable battery is charged separately or directly in the device. Problems arise when the battery breaks down and the tonometer does not show numbers. You can find an original part that will fit a specific tonometer model only from the manufacturer or an authorized service center. The price of piece consumables can be quite high. Before replacing, it is worth carrying out diagnostics at a service center for the battery and power cables.
Automatic blood pressure monitors indicate the type of error
Automatic blood pressure monitors operate using a built-in program. It contains an algorithm that displays the correct values on the screen. If the software fails, errors or errors in measurements occur.
A number of breakdowns can lead to complete failure. If the tonometer does not turn on or does not react in any way to charging or changing batteries, it must be taken to a service center. At the service center, specialists will diagnose, eliminate the defect, or refuse repairs.
Before sending it to the service center, you should check the warranty card. The warranty period is indicated there, as well as the address of the authorized service in each city. You can get free service from a specialized service center if the warranty period is still valid.
How to choose a tonometer?
For people with heart rhythm disturbances, it is best to purchase a tonometer with an arrhythmia indicator. Devices with a larger display will be convenient for the visually impaired. For older people, automatic type devices with a shoulder cuff are more suitable. Wrist blood pressure monitors are best purchased for people under 40 years of age.
For pregnant women, there are special devices that can determine the general condition of the woman. For children there are also blood pressure monitors with a special cuff.
For many, mechanical devices are more convenient than automatic ones, but for people with hearing impairments it is better to purchase the second option, since listening to tones in a mechanical version requires good hearing.
The danger of hypertension
One of the main distinguishing features of arterial hypertension is that it very often has no symptoms. A person simply does not feel the increased pressure or quickly adapts to it, as a result of which the disease progresses for a long time, which leads to the appearance of organic changes in the vascular wall and heart muscle.
This is interesting! Changes in nervous regulation and the activity of biologically active substances stimulate the processes of atherogenesis and myocardial remodeling, aggravating the course of heart failure and atherosclerosis.
The clinical picture may appear in the later stages, when hypertension is accompanied by atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels, coronary heart disease and heart failure. Also, in patients suffering from hypertension, the risk of developing heart attacks, strokes and life-threatening arrhythmias increases sharply. Therefore, people at risk are recommended to be examined and measure their blood pressure levels as often as possible.
The automatic tonometer AND UA 777 from Medical is a high-quality device that allows you not only to measure blood pressure levels, but also to determine pulse indicators and the correct heart rhythm. Thanks to this, a person can easily and simply assess the state of his cardiovascular system. Due to its convenient use and high reliability, the device has become very popular among patients who do not have the opportunity to regularly visit a doctor or use mechanical tonometers.
Blood pressure should be measured regularly not only for those people who have already developed hypertension, but also for patients at risk. This will allow you to very quickly identify the initial stages of pathology.
It is important! Treatment of hypertension in the early stages is much easier. Very often, normalization of blood pressure can be achieved simply by following the rules of a healthy lifestyle. Even if there is a need to take medications, smaller doses and milder drugs are used.
Repairing a holey cuff
If the problem is bleeding air, then you need to find the location of the gap. When it is located directly on the cuff, it does not have to be replaced; it can be repaired. How to repair a leaky blood pressure cuff:
- If the hole is small and the cuff is strong and unworn, then you can seal it with a hot glue gun.
- You can glue a piece of rubber patch or other suitable material onto the gap with rubber cement.
- Take a strip of thick aluminum and bend it in half. Push the damaged area between them and clamp it with metal, help yourself with pliers. Cover this place with glue.
When air escapes at the factory soldering site, it can be vulcanized with a soldering iron at 180 degrees. It is important to remember that repairing a cuff is cheaper than replacing it, but it will not last too long after the intervention. Therefore, be prepared to replace this element.
