What primarily does a sphygmomanometer measure?

A sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument specifically designed for measuring blood pressure. It operates by constricting a person's arm with an inflatable cuff, then slowly releasing the pressure while listening for specific sounds. These sounds indicate the systolic and diastolic pressures, which are the two key values used to assess blood pressure levels. Understanding blood pressure is crucial in evaluating cardiovascular health, and a sphygmomanometer is a standard tool in clinical settings for this purpose.

In contrast, measuring heart rate, temperature, or respiratory rate involves different devices and methods. For example, heart rate is typically measured using a stethoscope or heart rate monitor, temperature is measured with thermometers, and respiratory rate can be assessed by counting breaths per minute or with respiratory monitoring devices. Each of these functions serves a different role in monitoring and evaluating a patient's health.