Apple’s Hypertension alert on an Apple Watch
Apple
Apple announced one of its most anticipated new features for the Apple Watch series at the iPhone 17 family launch event: Apple Watch blood pressure alerts.
Apple Watch owners will now receive alerts when their smartwatches detect signs of high blood pressure or hypertension.
The great news is that this feature is not exclusive to the latest Apple Watch models. Even older models like the Apple Watch Series 9 are compatible with this functionality.
It’s important to note that Apple’s hypertension feature is not a replacement for a traditional blood pressure cuff. It does not provide actual readings but looks for patterns in blood flow that may indicate hypertension.
If an alert is triggered, Apple recommends users to monitor their blood pressure using a third-party cuff rather than relying solely on the Apple Watch.
“It is recommended that they log their blood pressure for seven days using a third-party blood pressure cuff and share the results with their healthcare provider at their next visit,” Apple advises.
How Apple Watch Blood Pressure Readings Work
Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the Apple Watch is not a standalone replacement for traditional blood pressure monitoring devices. It is meant to complement existing methods.
Apple has taken a different approach compared to Samsung. While Samsung requires calibration using a cuff to establish a baseline, the Apple Watch can detect changes without calibration. The first 30 days of data are used to analyze trends, so users concerned about their blood pressure may seek additional monitoring.
Both watches utilize optical heart rate sensors on the rear of the device to analyze blood pressure, in addition to measuring heart rate. Apple’s algorithm passively reviews data over 30-day periods and alerts users if consistent signs of hypertension are detected.
“The algorithm works passively in the background reviewing data over 30-day periods, and will notify users if it detects consistent signs of hypertension,” Apple explains.
Apple Watch users can expect this feature to be available with an update to watchOS 26, pending approval from health authorities. This update is already in progress.
“The feature will be available in more than 150 countries and regions — including the U.S. and the EU — this month,” Apple confirms. Users will need to enable blood pressure alerts within the Apple Health app to begin using the feature.
The Key Win of Apple Watch Blood Pressure Readings
Apple’s approach to high blood pressure alerts offers advantages for Apple Watch users compared to other devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
The alerts are designed for individuals who have not been diagnosed with hypertension, and the lack of initial calibration simplifies the process, allowing for passive monitoring. Apple’s focus on accuracy with its heart rate sensors also sets it apart.
Apple estimates that “The feature is expected to notify over 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension within the first year.” This feature builds on the irregular heart rhythm notifications introduced in 2018.
The effortless nature of Apple’s blood pressure alerts, requiring minimal effort from the user, enhances its potential impact. This is crucial given the high percentage of undiagnosed hypertension cases globally.
According to the World Health Organization, uncontrolled hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart-related conditions, highlighting the importance of early detection through features like Apple’s blood pressure alerts.
