Sana Sedeo 150 HK and 250 HK
Part No.: 2. 520038 Rev.: d
Page 12 of 26
6
Initial Operation
6.1
The Blood Pressure Measuring Unit for 250 HK
In order to conduct exercise testing correctly, it is of utmost importance to measure physical performance
data and data from the ECG measurement as well as simultaneously measuring and recording blood pres-
sure data to determine the reaction of the circulatory system to increased exertion.
For this purpose, ergosana has developed an extremely accurate blood pressure measuring system that is
not susceptible to interferences. It has been integrated into this ergometer and uses a so-called indirect
method of blood pressure measurement. The Korotkoff sound, which is created by the air being forced out of
the cuff as blood flows through the area of compression, is recorded along with several other important pa-
rameters of critical importance to attain accurate measurement. These measurements are evaluated in milli-
seconds by an internal digital evaluation system and shown in the ergometer's display as systole and dias-
tole. The pulse rate is also determined during measurement and likewise shown in the display. At the same
time as they are shown on the display, the measurements can also be transferred via a RS-232 interface to
a peripheral device such as an ECG or pulmonary function unit for evaluation and recording.
The blood pressure cuff is the measurement sensor for blood pressure. (See also section 6, pages 12/13 for
more details.) Despite the perfectly functioning measuring system, it remains critically important that the
cuff is placed on the arm correctly and carefully.
According to international agreement, the blood pressure should be measured on the left arm, which is near
the heart, as the flow impedance level is lowest there. An exception to this rule is formed by approx. 1 to 2
per cent of test persons on whom the Korotkoff sound cannot be measured due to vascular phenomena. The
cuff is placed on the right arm of such patients.
Please note that the cuff's air tube must be fixed in a way that prevents it from dashing against the
ergometer. This is to prevent unnecessary artefacts that might affect the measurement's accuracy.
Peculiarities of Blood Pressure Measurement on a Handcrank Ergometer:
When an exercise ECG is recorded using a hand crank ergometer, the BP measurement is obstructed by the
arms' cranking work. When the blood pressure is measured on an arm, the cranking work must be inter-
rupted and the arm kept still until the measurement is finished. An alternative is blood pressure measure-
ment on the leg artery. The best microphone position for that measurement is on the inside of the leg di-
rectly above the ankle. The correct position should be determined by test measurements. Please note that
the blood pressure measured on the leg deviates from the pressure measured on the arm by a factor result-
ing from the height difference.
The blood pressure cuff is the measurement sensor for blood pressure. Despite the perfectly functioning
measuring system, it remains critically important that the cuff is placed on the arm or leg correctly and care-
fully.
According to international agreement, the blood pressure should be measured on the left arm or leg, which
is near the heart, as the flow impedance level is lowest there. An exception to this rule is formed by approx.
1 to 2 per cent of test persons on whom the Korotkoff sound cannot be measured due to vascular phenom-
ena. The cuff is placed on the right arm or leg of such patients.
Please note that the cuff's air tube must be fixed in a way that prevents it from dashing against the
ergometer. This is to prevent unnecessary artefacts that might affect the measurement's accuracy.
