SPHYGMOMANOMETER

A sphygmomanometer, also known as a blood pressure monitor, is a device used to measure blood pressure. It typically consists of an inflatable cuff to collapse and then release the artery under the cuff in a controlled manner, and a manometer to measure the pressure1. There are three main types of sphygmomanometers:

1. Mercury Sphygmomanometer: Considered the gold standard, it uses a column of mercury to measure pressure. It’s highly accurate but is being phased out due to mercury’s toxicity2.
2. Aneroid Sphygmomanometer: Uses a mechanical dial and does not contain mercury. It requires calibration but is more portable than mercury types2.
3. Digital Sphygmomanometer: The most modern type, it uses electronic sensors to measure blood pressure and displays the readings digitally. It’s easy to use but may need periodic calibration against a mercury device2.