What is sphygmometer?

A sphygmometer, also known as a sphygmomanometer or blood pressure monitor, is a medical device used to measure blood pressure. It is composed of an inflatable cuff to wrap around the upper arm, a pump to inflate the cuff, a pressure gauge to measure the pressure and a stethoscope to listen to the blood flow. Two types of sphygmometers are commonly used, mercury sphygmometers and aneroid sphygmometers. Mercury sphygmometers are more accurate but are being phased out due to environmental concerns, while aneroid sphygmometers are preferred in clinical settings because they are less expensive, portable and easy to use. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause many health problems, so accurate measurements with a sphygmometer are important to identify and diagnose this condition.