by Smart devices that measure blood pressure are becoming increasingly popular as they offer convenience, real-time monitoring, and integration with digital health platforms. If you’re curious about what smart devices measure blood pressure and how they work, this post will provide you with detailed insights, practical examples, and useful information to help you understand and choose the right device for your needs.
What smart devices measure blood pressure?
When we talk about smart devices that measure blood pressure, we generally refer to wearable or portable gadgets equipped with sensors and connectivity features. These devices not only measure your blood pressure but also often sync data with smartphone apps, enabling you to track and analyze your readings over time.
Smartwatches with blood pressure monitoring
One of the most innovative smart devices that measure blood pressure is the smartwatch. For instance, the CareUp® smartwatch uses two pulse oximeters, one on the back and one on the front of the device, to collect photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. By analyzing the pulse transit time (PTT) between these signals and heart rate, the watch estimates systolic and diastolic blood pressure in real time. This method has been validated against traditional oscillometry-based devices, showing comparable accuracy and making it a handy wearable for continuous monitoring.
Smart blood pressure monitors for home use
Besides smartwatches, there are dedicated smart blood pressure monitors designed for home use. These devices typically come with an inflatable cuff and a digital display, often connecting wirelessly to your smartphone. Brands like Omron, QardioArm, Braun, and Medescan offer such devices.
- Omron EVOLV is a sleek, all-in-one upper arm monitor without tubes or wires. It provides systolic, diastolic, and pulse readings and detects irregular heartbeats. Its portability and ease of use make it a favorite for many users.
- QardioArm Wireless BPM is known for its stylish design and medical-grade accuracy. It requires a smartphone to operate and offers unique features like monitoring blood pressure across different locations and sharing data with friends and family for support.
- Braun iCheck 7 offers wrist-based monitoring with color-coded results stored on the device and an accompanying app to track trends over time. It’s praised for being user-friendly and easy to carry around.
- Medescan Smart Blood Pressure Monitor incorporates Intelligent Averages technology, which calculates the average of multiple measurements to improve accuracy. Additionally, it tracks arrhythmia and offers automatic inflation and deflation to enhance user convenience. Its ability to store up to 240 measurements makes it suitable for comprehensive health tracking.
Smartwatches with continuous and advanced monitoring
Some smartwatches go beyond simple readings. The BP Doctor Med smartwatch, for example, features a patented Dual-Cognitive Cuff design that allows continuous 24/7 blood pressure monitoring using traditional oscillometric methods. It also tracks stress, sleep, and sports activity, integrating these data points into a comprehensive health overview accessible via Android and iOS apps.
How do smart devices measure blood pressure?
Smart devices measure blood pressure using different technologies:
Oscillometric Method: This is the traditional method used by most home monitors and some smartwatches with inflatable cuffs. The cuff inflates to restrict blood flow and then slowly deflates while sensors detect oscillations in the arterial wall to calculate blood pressure.
Photoplethysmography (PPG): Used in devices like the CareUp® smartwatch, PPG involves shining light through the skin to detect blood volume changes. By measuring the time delay between pulses at different points (pulse transit time), the device estimates blood pressure.
Pulse Transit Time (PTT): This is the time it takes for the pulse wave to travel between two arterial sites. PTT inversely correlates with blood pressure, so by measuring it, smart devices can estimate blood pressure non-invasively.
Each method has its pros and cons. Oscillometric devices are generally very accurate but less convenient for continuous monitoring. PPG and PTT-based devices offer wearable, real-time monitoring but may require calibration and validation for clinical accuracy.
Why should you consider smart devices for blood pressure monitoring?
You should consider smart devices because they offer several advantages:
Convenience: You can measure your blood pressure anytime and anywhere without visiting a clinic.
Real-time Tracking: Continuous or frequent monitoring helps you and your healthcare provider understand your blood pressure trends better.
Data Integration: Many smart devices sync with apps that provide insights, reminders, and data sharing options.
Early Detection: Some devices alert you to irregular heartbeats or abnormal readings, which can be important for early intervention.
Meanwhile, as hypertension is often called “The Silent Killer” due to its symptomless nature, having a smart device to monitor your blood pressure can be a proactive step toward managing your health.
What to look for when choosing smart devices that measure blood pressure?
When selecting a smart device for blood pressure measurement, you should consider:
1. Accuracy: Look for devices validated by clinical studies or recognized standards. For example, Omron Platinum uses TruRead technology for clinically accurate results and advanced averaging.
2. Ease of Use: Devices like Omron EVOLV and Braun iCheck 7 are praised for their simple operation and portability.
3. Connectivity: If you want to track your readings over time or share them with your doctor, choose devices with reliable smartphone app integration.
4. Features: Some devices offer irregular heartbeat detection, multiple user profiles, or additional health tracking like stress and sleep monitoring.
5. Comfort: Cuff size and placement (upper arm vs. wrist) can affect comfort and accuracy.
How are smart devices changing blood pressure monitoring?
The market for smart blood pressure monitoring devices is growing rapidly, valued at USD 1.45 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 3.03 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.1%. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of hypertension, technological advancements, and the demand for remote health monitoring solutions, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Smart devices are making blood pressure monitoring more accessible and integrated into daily life, helping people stay informed and take control of their cardiovascular health.
Our thoughts on smart devices measuring blood pressure
If you want to keep a close eye on your blood pressure with convenience and accuracy, smart devices that measure blood pressure offer a variety of options to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From advanced smartwatches like CareUp® and BP Doctor Med to trusted home monitors like Omron EVOLV and Medescan, you can find a device that fits your needs.
Tip: You should remember that while smart devices provide valuable data, they are best used as part of a broader health management plan in consultation with your healthcare provider. Meanwhile, with choosing the right smart device, you can empower yourself to monitor your blood pressure regularly, thereby supporting your long-term heart health.
For more information on fitness tracking smartwatch, check out this post on: What are the best budget smartwatches for fitness tracking? guide.
