Swiss tech hopes to make blood pressure checks as easy as taking a selfie
Swiss startup Aktiia has unveiled plans to make blood pressure monitoring easy via a new app-based solution. This innovative approach, has recently received CE mark certification.
The new technology is expected to be available sometime in 2025. The best part is that it allows users to measure their blood pressure without additional hardware or calibration. Just a smartphone.
The process is very straightforward. Users place their fingertip on their phone’s camera for 90 seconds, during which the app captures physiological data to provide a blood pressure reading. That’s all there is to it. The app then captures and shows a timeline of your data.
Aktiia’s CEO, Rags Gupta, emphasized the potential of this technology to replace traditional blood pressure cuffs, making it simple for anyone to monitor their cardiovascular health regularly. This accessibility could lead to earlier detection of hypertension and more timely treatment.
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The technology behind this app-based solution is built on generative AI. This leverages an impressive 11 billion data points from Aktiia’s existing platform. Dr. Josep Solà, co-founder and CTO of Aktiia, says that the extensive dataset compiled from their first product was instrumental in developing the new AI model.
The CE mark, awarded under the EU’s new Medical Device Regulation (MDR), indicates that the product meets safety, health, and environmental standards. This certification required clinical trials and proof of performance.
Beyond a hardware-based solution
Aktiia’s journey in blood pressure monitoring began earlier with their bracelet-based solution. You can check out my full hands-on review of this device. Unlike fitness bands or smartwatches, the bracelet focuses solely on blood pressure and resting heart rate monitoring. It uses optical sensors to track these metrics from the wrist with clinical-grade accuracy.
The bracelet captures multiple readings throughout the day and night automatically. I estimate, on average probably about 10 readings in a 24-hour period. The small form factor allows users to wear it comfortably and forget about it, requiring only weekly charging and monthly calibration with a traditional cuff.
As Aktiia moves forward with its new app-based technology, it builds upon the foundation laid by its bracelet solution. The company, launched in May 2018 by Dr. Mattia Bertschi and Dr. Josep Solà, continues to leverage their experience from the Swiss research institute CSEM to advance blood pressure monitoring technology.
Source: TechCrunch
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