What device is used to measure arterial blood pressure?

The sphygmomanometer is the preferred device for measuring arterial blood pressure. It works by wrapping a cuff around the upper arm and inflating it to temporarily occlude the blood flow in the brachial artery. As the cuff deflates, the point at which blood begins to flow again is noted, which correlates to the systolic pressure. Further deflation allows for the measurement of diastolic pressure, the point at which blood flow is no longer restricted and a sound or pulse is detected.

This method is especially effective and widely used in clinical settings for determining blood pressure, which is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. While the stethoscope is often used in conjunction with the sphygmomanometer to listen to the Korotkoff sounds that indicate systolic and diastolic pressures, it does not measure blood pressure on its own. The electrocardiogram measures electrical activity of the heart, and a thermometer measures body temperature, neither of which provide information about arterial blood pressure.