With the introduction of its new smartwatches, Apple has unveiled an innovative feature named Hypertension Notifications. This groundbreaking tool will alert users to sudden increases in their blood pressure levels. Notably, this feature is not limited to the latest Apple Watch Series 11; it will also be available on several older models while excluding the entry-level Apple Watch SE series.
When can you expect it to land?
The Hypertension Notifications feature will be available on models equipped with Apple S9 or S10 silicon, running on watchOS 26. The compatible models have been specifically designed to integrate this functionality and include a variety of watches that Apple fans have come to rely on.
It is important to note that the Hypertension Notifications feature is still pending approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Apple anticipates that clearance will occur in September. Once approved, the feature is expected to roll out to users across more than 150 countries, thereby making this health tool accessible on a global scale.
Apple
To utilize this new feature, users must be 22 years or older. Moreover, the feature is not recommended for individuals with an existing hypertension diagnosis or for pregnant women, highlighting Apple’s commitment to user safety and responsible health technology.
What is a hypertension alert?
According to Apple, this AI-powered wellness feature relies on readings collected from the smartwatch’s optical heart rate sensor, specifically monitoring blood flow in vessels. It works continuously in the background, analyzing data collected over the last 30 days. Importantly, this feature has undergone clinical validation, supported by a study of over 2,000 participants.
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Considering the widespread prevalence of hypertension globally, Apple predicts that “the feature is expected to notify over 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension within the first year.” Upon receiving a notification, users are advised to monitor their blood pressure using a standard blood pressure cuff over a seven-day period and consult with a healthcare provider to interpret the results.
It’s crucial to understand that while Apple will provide a warning about elevated blood pressure levels, it will not supply specific diastolic or systolic values akin to those obtained from medical-grade devices. Routine blood pressure monitoring is also available through competing smartwatches from brands like Samsung and Huawei, offering consumers a range of options for health monitoring.
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