What to do if the tonometer shows arrhythmia

Heart diseases often go unnoticed. You may not pay attention to changes in the work of the organ until the problem develops to a difficult stage. In order to prevent complications, it is important to detect the violation at the very beginning. Regular blood pressure measurement is the best way to detect arrhythmia in time. But for this you need a special device, in which a corresponding indicator is provided. But how do such tonometers work and what to do if an arrhythmia signal is triggered?

What is an arrhythmia indicator

Tachycardia or bradycardia are disorders that develop as a result of internal and external factors. In some cases, such problems arise temporarily and pass by themselves. But often diseases require the intervention of doctors and serious treatment. Atrial fibrillation is one of these disorders. If it is not recognized in time, the pathology can lead to death.

Electronic tonometers display heart rate readings. For an accurate result, you need to take several measurements with breaks of 1-2 minutes. The device will calculate the average value and show the corresponding icon with the results on the screen. If there is a pathology, the indicator will work in the form of a small heart with two arcs that make it clear the increased pulse.

If the tonometer showed an arrhythmia, the procedure should be repeated after some time. If the violation is confirmed, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Tonometer data in itself is not a diagnosis – only a specialist can confirm or refute your suspicions.

Principle of indicator operation

Pulse rate is a function equipped with automatic and semi-automatic machines. Mechanical tonometers can determine only the upper and lower blood pressure. The pulse indicator works on a very simple principle: the device records pressure fluctuations in the cuff due to the influence of a pulsating artery. Physical pressure is translated into electrical impulses, which the device processes and displays on the screen using a special program.

Depending on the model, the tonometer can measure pulse and blood pressure, record arrhythmia or remember the results of several measurements. Not every device can detect arrhythmia.

In order for the tonometer to detect a heart rhythm disorder, you need to use it several times. The device considers the average value to determine the degree of arrhythmia. More modern models are able to distinguish false and real symptoms, excluding external influencing factors.

The principle of tonometer operation:

• A cuff is attached to the shoulder or wrist, and air is pumped into it (automatically or manually using a bulb).
• The cuff inflates and squeezes the artery, blocking blood flow. With maximum compression (heart sounds are not heard).
• In any electronic device, air is released from the cuff automatically. The blood flow is restored, and the device begins to record the pulsation – this is the mark of the upper pressure.
• Gradually, the cuff stops squeezing the vessel, the pulsation is no longer heard – this is an indicator of lower pressure.

What to do if the arrhythmia icon lights up

In order to confidently talk about a violation, you need to use a tonometer every day. By comparing the readings of the tonometer, it is possible to determine whether the work of the heart is stable. The following problems are possible with atrial fibrillation:

• there is no pulse;
• pulse does not coincide with the rhythm of heart contractions;
• the blood vessel is not filled completely.

If you measure your pulse every day, and the arrhythmia indicator is lit quite rarely – do not worry. But if the icon appears almost after every procedure, consult a doctor. Remember that only after a detailed examination the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis.

When using the tonometer, it is important to follow the instructions. The slightest movement, conversations or other factors can significantly distort the results. Basic rules for using a tonometer:

• a relaxed and calm state;
• it is impossible to talk and move during the measurement;
• before the measurement, you should not smoke, drink coffee, alcohol, energy drinks, and drugs that affect blood pressure;
• the hand with the cuff should be at the level of the heart;

The procedure should be performed 3 times in a row to calculate the average value. This is an important rule that applies to all models with an arrhythmia indicator.

If the result of the examination showed the presence of atrial fibrillation, consult a cardiologist. Only a specialist can prescribe drugs and draw up a treatment program. Do not engage in self-medication – it can harm your health!

If you suffer from low blood pressure, special drugs, coffee or exercise will help. But experts are against such methods: if you overdo it, you can harm yourself. Doctors are more inclined to take sedatives. The safest options:

• Aralia tincture tones and strengthens the heart muscle, raises blood pressure smoothly and moderately;
• ginseng tincture – the same effect, but a weaker effect;
• Caffetamine increases blood pressure, but accelerates the heart rate;
• Korglykon normalizes the pulse in case of atrial fibrillation, nourishes the heart muscle with oxygen.
• Ethmosin normalizes heart contractions and increases blood pressure, but is taken only under the supervision of a doctor.

Arrhythmia can have many causes. Depending on the source of the problem, the doctor prescribes one or another drug. In any case, treatment should be started as early as possible. In any disease, the speed of your reaction plays a primary role. Severe forms of arrhythmia should be treated in a hospital, if the problem is at an early stage – at home.

If you have already bought a tonometer with an arrhythmia indicator, do not be lazy to take measurements from time to time. Heart failure is a massive problem faced by millions of people. This especially applies to men and women over 40 years old.