The Omron HEM-712C IntelliSense® Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor is a digital blood pressure monitor designed for home use, employing the oscillometric method to measure blood pressure. This means it detects your blood's movement through your brachial artery and converts these movements into a digital reading, eliminating the need for a stethoscope and making the monitor simple to use.
Function Description:
The primary function of the HEM-712C is to accurately measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as pulse rate. It features an "IntelliSense®" technology, which automatically determines the ideal inflation level for each measurement. In rare cases where a higher inflation is needed, the monitor will automatically re-inflate the cuff up to 30 mmHg higher than the initial inflation and restart the measurement process. The monitor is designed to detect an irregular heartbeat rhythm. If an irregular rhythm is detected two or more times during a measurement, an "Irregular Heartbeat Symbol" will appear on the display along with the measurement values. An irregular heartbeat is defined as a rhythm that varies by less than 25% from the average rhythm or 25% more than the average rhythm detected while the monitor is measuring blood pressure. If this symbol appears, it is recommended to consult a physician.
The monitor automatically stores up to 30 measurement values, each with the date and time. This memory function allows users to track their blood pressure over time, which is crucial for providing accurate information to a physician. A single measurement does not provide an accurate indication of true blood pressure; therefore, taking and recording several readings over a period of time is recommended. The device also includes an averaging function, which calculates an average reading based on the three most recent measurements taken within a 10-minute period of the last reading. If only two readings are stored in the memory for that period, the average is based on those two readings. If only one reading is available, that reading is displayed as the average.
Usage Features:
To ensure reliable readings, several recommendations should be followed before taking a measurement. Users should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for 30 minutes prior to a measurement, and rest for at least 15 minutes. Measurements should be taken in a quiet place, and tight-fitting clothing should be removed from the left arm. The user should sit in a chair with feet flat on the floor, resting the left arm on a table so the cuff is at the same level as the heart. It is important to remain still and avoid talking during the measurement. For consistency, it is advised to measure blood pressure at the same time each day. A wait time of 2-3 minutes between measurements is recommended to allow arteries to return to their prior condition, with longer wait times potentially needed depending on individual physiological characteristics.
The monitor is easy to set up and operate. It requires four "AA" size batteries, which are installed by matching the positive and negative polarities. Measurement values stored in memory are not deleted during battery replacement, but the date and time should be reset after changing batteries. The date and time setting is crucial for accurate memory and averaging functions. The year can be set between 2005 and 2030, and the month, day, hour, and minute can be adjusted using the MEMORY button to advance values and the Date/Time Setting button to confirm.
Applying the arm cuff correctly is vital for accurate readings. The air plug must be securely inserted into the main unit. For the left arm, the blue arrow on the cuff should be centered on the inside of the arm and aligned with the middle finger, with the air tube running down the inside of the arm. The bottom of the cuff should be approximately 1/2 inch (1-2 cm) above the elbow. The cuff should then be wrapped firmly using the closure strip. When using the right arm, the same principles apply, ensuring the blue arrow and air tube run along the inside of the elbow, and the cuff is approximately 1/2 inch above the elbow. Care must be taken not to rest the arm on the air tube, as this can restrict air flow.
To take a measurement, the START/STOP button is pressed. All display symbols will appear, and the cuff will inflate automatically. The monitor detects the pulse during inflation, so the arm should remain still until the measurement is complete. To stop inflation or measurement at any time, the START/STOP button can be pressed again. Once the measurement is complete, the cuff deflates, and the blood pressure and pulse rate are displayed. The monitor automatically turns off after five minutes. For individuals with known systolic pressure above 220 mmHg, the START/STOP button can be pressed and held to inflate the monitor 30-40 mmHg higher than the suspected systolic pressure, though the monitor will not inflate above 299 mmHg.
The memory function is accessed by pressing the MEMORY button. This displays the most recent measurement values, alternating with the date and time. Repeated presses of the MEMORY button will cycle through stored values, and holding the button will display values faster. All stored records can be deleted by simultaneously holding the MEMORY and START/STOP buttons for more than 2 seconds.
Maintenance Features:
Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep the digital blood pressure monitor in optimal condition and protect it from damage. Users should avoid forcefully bending the arm cuff or air tube and should not fold them tightly. The monitor should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth, and abrasive or volatile cleaners should not be used. The cuff should not be cleaned, and neither the monitor nor any components should ever be immersed in water.
The monitor should be stored in a safe and dry location, away from extreme hot or cold temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. It is important to avoid subjecting the monitor to strong shocks, such as dropping it. If the unit will not be used for three months or longer, the batteries should be removed. When replacing batteries, all four batteries should be replaced with new ones simultaneously, and long-life alkaline batteries are recommended. The unit should only be used consistent with the instructions provided in the manual, and only authorized parts and accessories should be used.