What is the use of sphygmomanometer?

A sphygmomanometer is a medical device used to measure blood pressure, the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It consists of an inflatable cuff wrapped around the upper arm, connected to a manometer that measures the pressure in the cuff.

The sphygmomanometer is used to diagnose and monitor high blood pressure (hypertension), a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of medications used to treat hypertension.

The procedure for using a sphygmomanometer involves placing the cuff around the upper arm, inflating it until the cuff pressure exceeds the blood pressure in the artery, and then slowly releasing the air from the cuff while listening for Korotkoff sounds. These sounds are created by the blood flowing through the artery under the cuff, and they can be used to determine the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the artery when the heart contracts, and the diastolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes. A normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure readings above 140/90 mm Hg are considered to be high blood pressure.