sphygmomanometer

A sphygmomanometer is a medical device used to measure blood pressure. It typically consists of an inflatable cuff that wraps around your upper arm, a gauge that shows the pressure, and a bulb to inflate the cuff. When the cuff inflates, it temporarily stops blood flow in the artery. As the cuff slowly deflates, a healthcare provider listens with a stethoscope or the gauge detects the pressure, and they record the systolic (highest) and diastolic (lowest) pressures. This measurement helps assess your cardiovascular health and detect conditions like hypertension.