A sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope. The cuff is inflated until the pressure in the cuff is greater than the pressure in the brachial artery. This causes the artery to collapse, and no blood can flow through it. The pressure in the cuff is then slowly released until the artery just starts to open. The pressure at which this occurs is the systolic blood pressure. The cuff is then deflated completely, and the pressure at which the artery completely opens is the diastolic blood pressure.
Sphygmomanometers are an important tool for diagnosing and managing hypertension. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. By measuring blood pressure, doctors can identify people who are at risk for these conditions and take steps to prevent them.
