What is a Sphygmomanometer?

A sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure. It consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm, and a pressure gauge that measures the pressure in the cuff. The cuff is inflated to restrict blood flow, and then gradually deflated while the pressure gauge measures the pressure. The pressure at which the cuff becomes inflated is called the systolic pressure, and the pressure at which it becomes deflated is called the diastolic pressure.

Sphygmomanometer is an older term for a blood pressure cuff, and it is no longer commonly used in modern medicine. Instead, healthcare professionals use electronic blood pressure monitors that are more accurate and easier to use. However, sphygmomanometers are still used in some medical settings, such as in emergency situations or when electronic monitors are not available.

The word "sphygmomanometer" comes from the Greek words "sphyggmos," meaning "pulse," and "manometer," meaning "pressure gauge." It was coined in the late 19th century to describe the device that measures blood pressure using an inflatable cuff.