Hypertension alerts were cleared by the FDA in 2025 as a tool to raise awareness of potential hypertension. It uses optical sensors to look for patterns in blood flow, then runs the data through an algorithm to decide whether to show an alert. There’s no cuff involved. The idea is to flag risk, not diagnose anything.

So how well does it work in the real world? That’s what researchers from the University of Utah and the University of Pennsylvania wanted to find out.

It misses a lot of people

Using publicly available accuracy data from Apple and national health survey data from the U.S., the researchers simulated how this alert system would perform at scale.

What they found was pretty straightforward. If someone actually has undiagnosed hypertension, there’s a good chance the Apple Watch won’t pick it up. In fact, about 59 percent of those people wouldn’t get an alert. On the other side, around 8 percent of users who don’t have hypertension would still get flagged anyway.

So the feature isn’t very accurate if you think of it like a medical test. That’s because it isn’t one. It’s not built to diagnose or replace a cuff. It’s built to nudge you into paying attention.

The researchers focused on how meaningful the alerts actually are, depending on who you are. And that’s where things get more interesting.

Age and risk level change what the alert means

For younger users under 30, the chance of having undiagnosed hypertension is low to begin with. So when the watch sends an alert, the chance you actually have high blood pressure jumps from 14 percent to 47 percent. That’s a decent signal, but still leaves a lot of uncertainty. If there’s no alert, your risk drops slightly to 10 percent.

Older adults, on the other hand, have a higher baseline risk. For people over 60, the probability of having hypertension without knowing it is already 45 percent. If they get an alert, that jumps to 81 percent. But even if they don’t get an alert, their risk is still sitting at 34 percent.

That’s the point the researchers keep coming back to. An alert might help confirm risk, but the lack of an alert is not all that reassuring for older or higher-risk users.

The analysis also broke things down by race and ethnicity.

For non-Hispanic Black adults, getting an alert bumps the chance of having hypertension from 36 percent to 75 percent. Without an alert, it drops to 26 percent. For Hispanic adults, the same alert moves the probability from 24 percent to 63 percent, and silence brings it down to 17 percent.

Should you trust the alert?

Not entirely. It can be a helpful early warning, especially for people who wouldn’t otherwise think to check their blood pressure. But it doesn’t offer the kind of accuracy you get from a cuff-based device.

And that’s where this feature could backfire a bit. If someone sees the alert and follows up, that’s good. But if someone assumes they’re fine just because the watch is quiet, they could miss a diagnosis that needs attention. That’s a real concern for older users and people in higher-risk categories.

Current guidelines still recommend cuff-based screening every few years for adults under 40, and yearly after that. Apple’s alerts aren’t changing that advice.

Source: Jama Network

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.

And of course, you can follow Gadgets & Wearables on Google News and add us as your preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.

The post JAMA study casts doubt on Apple Watch blood pressure alerts appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Blood pressure monitoring doesn’t have to be a hassle

The company has a long track record in connected blood pressure monitors, but BPM Vision feels like its most accessible product to date. It takes the complexity out of heart health tracking and turns it into something simple, fast and genuinely helpful.

Let’s be honest, tracking blood pressure at home often turns into a chore. Clunky devices, unclear readings and awkward setups don’t help. BPM Vision cuts through that with a design that’s clear and inviting. The large, color screen shows your results in real time using easy-to-read visuals and color-coded zones to help you instantly understand what the numbers mean. This includes clinical-grade blood pressure data and the added bonus of instant AFib detection, all with a single tap.

You also get the option to perform a 30-second ECG directly on the device. That’s a major step up in usability, especially for anyone keeping an eye on heart rhythm irregularities like atrial fibrillation. Early detection can be vital for stroke prevention, particularly for those with high blood pressure.

But BPM Vision isn’t just about data. It guides you with built-in tutorials, offers gentle reminders to stay consistent with measurements, and even throws in motivational nudges to keep you on track. All of this makes it easier to build and maintain a health habit that actually sticks.

It also works for more than just one person. With support for up to eight users and interchangeable cuffs for different arm sizes, BPM Vision suits the whole household. Which means everyone gets tailored insights inside the Withings app.

The device connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, syncing data automatically using AutoSync+. Your health stats are stored safely and can be shared with a doctor, who can access your measurements in real time. Battery life stretches up to six months between charges, and the included case doubles as a stand so you can monitor hands-free.

For anyone who’s put off blood pressure monitoring because it seemed too fiddly or time consuming, this is a good time to rethink that. BPM Vision keeps things straightforward without sacrificing depth or accuracy. It’s heart health made easy.

Available now

BPM Vision is available for purchase directly from the Withings website. It sells for $179.95 and includes everything you need to get started. An optional XL cuff is also offered for $19.95, designed to provide a better fit for larger arm sizes.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

The post Withings BPM Vision now available with AFib detection and ECG appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

A background feature that will come to older watches

Apple first revealed its hypertension notification system during the launch of Series 11 and Ultra 3 a few days ago. At the time, it said regulatory clearance was expected soon. As reported by 9toMac, that approval has now come through, and the feature is ready to ship globally, including in the United States and across the European Union.

The functionality is not just limited to the newest models. It will also arrive on Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2, provided the devices are running watchOS 26 (the public version of which rolls out on September 15th). It relies on the optical heart rate sensor, which means there are no hardware upgrades required. This is entirely a software-based addition.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

If signs of chronic high blood pressure show up repeatedly, the watch will send out a notification. Apple says this is not a diagnostic tool, but rather an early alert system. The company is positioning it as a way to identify users who may be at risk long before symptoms appear or a formal diagnosis is made.

How accurate is it?

According to Apple, the feature underwent testing on more than 100,000 individuals. It was also validated in a clinical study with over 2,000 participants.

During validation, the system showed 95.3 percent specificity in identifying users in the “normal” blood pressure range. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but it gives a reasonable baseline for avoiding false alarms. Apple believes the notifications could reach nearly half of all people with high blood pressure, and a much larger portion of those with Stage 2 hypertension.

The system doesn’t measure blood pressure directly. Instead, it looks for patterns in cardiovascular response that correlate with elevated blood pressure. It is not a substitute for a cuff-based measurement, but it does help users keep track of subtle long-term changes.

If you do receive an alert, Apple recommends taking seven days of readings with a proper blood pressure cuff and then sharing that data with your doctor. This approach is in line with current medical guidelines.

Our takeaway

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide. It’s also frequently missed in routine medical checks. Many people have no symptoms, and even when they do see a doctor, a single in-office reading might not catch anything.

This feature has the potential to reach a massive audience. By embedding early detection into a widely used product, Apple is turning the Watch into more than just a personal dashboard. It’s starting to resemble a low-key triage system for the general population.

The company estimates that over 1 million users with undiagnosed hypertension could receive alerts in the first year alone. Whether that translates to better outcomes remains to be seen, but it will almost certainly start more conversations between patients and doctors.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.

The post Apple gets FDA approval for Watch hypertension feature appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

A wrist-based monitor with clinical ambitions

The Swiss-based company has been in this space for a few years now. I reviewed the original Aktiia bracelet back in 2021 and was impressed by how well it performed. It focused entirely on blood pressure and resting heart rate, and it did that pretty well. The form factor was compact, easy to forget once it was on the wrist, and the readings were solid.

Now that same core idea is headed for US approval under a slightly different name. The device will go by the label G0 Blood Pressure Monitoring System locally, but it’s essentially the same as the current version called Hilo Band already being sold in Europe. And like before, it relies on an optical sensor that sits on the wrist and captures blood flow data. The data gets sent to the Hilo app and processed on Aktiia’s servers using pulse wave analysis algorithms.

Continuous tracking, when you’re still

The company’s approach differs from traditional cuff-based systems in one key way. Rather than asking you to take a reading manually each time, the Hilo Band collects data in the background. You need to be still for it to work, which makes sense given the sensitivity required. But it means you can wear it day and night and still get a stream of measurements that reflect your blood pressure trends over time.

This can be particularly useful for people managing hypertension, or for those who simply want better awareness of their cardiovascular metrics. In my original review, I found the bracelet would deliver about 10 readings in a 24-hour period, which was more than enough to build a picture of how my blood pressure varied through the day and night.

FDA clearance, with US launch set for 2026

The FDA 510(k) clearance marks an important milestone for the company. The Hilo Band already has the CE Mark as a Class IIa medical device in Europe, where it has been available for some time. This latest approval clears the way for the product’s US debut, which Aktiia says is scheduled for 2026.

It’s worth noting this remains a medical-grade product, not a general-purpose fitness wearable. It doesn’t try to count steps or measure your VO2 max. It sticks to what it was designed for, which is automated, cuffless blood pressure tracking using clinical algorithms.

Check it out on the Hilo website.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.

The post Cuffless blood pressure tracking Hilo Band set for US release after FDA nod appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The original patent filing

That earlier applications described a system that could apply and regulate pressure via a motorized mechanism. A tightening element would increase the compression against the skin to partially occlude an artery. A sensor—such as a PPG (photoplethysmography) unit—would then be used to gather cardiovascular data during the controlled application of pressure.

What stood out in that filing was the device’s form factor. The patent illustrations showed something that wrapped around a user’s finger. This suggested the possibility that Fitbit might be working on an entirely new product category, potentially a ring-like health tracker or a finger clip designed for occasional use.

What’s new in the updated patent

The latest patent, published a few days ago by the US Patent Office (US 12,251,205 B2), doesn’t fundamentally change that concept. But it does add technical depth.

The device is still finger-worn, and it includes a band or strap that can be tightened circumferentially around the finger. A motor or actuator—specifically, a lead screw or cam-driven mechanism—applies force to increase pressure in a controlled way. This is used to alter the blood flow in the underlying arteries, allowing physiological signals to be measured under compression.

The patent also includes a pressure sensor to monitor exactly how much force is being applied. This allows for feedback-controlled actuation, which should improve both safety and measurement accuracy.

As in the earlier patents, a PPG sensor detects pulse waveforms. These are then used in conjunction with the applied pressure data to estimate blood pressure without a traditional inflatable cuff. The idea is to capture the point at which blood flow is altered or restored, which correlates with systolic and diastolic values.

There’s no mention of wrist placement, watches, or even broader smartwatch functionality in this document. This is very much a standalone health sensor worn on the finger, with no screen, no UI, and no reference to integration into existing Fitbit devices.

What it means

If Fitbit ever brings this to market, it could result in a compact, purpose-built blood pressure tracker. Something like a ring or finger clip—possibly intended for use a few times per day, rather than continuous wear. It might also mark the transition of Fitbit to a company that moves beyond fitness bands and smartwatches. Currently, there is a question mark on whether the company would be dishing out new smartwatches as Google seems to have picked up the mantle in this regard.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Whether the finger-based blood pressure monitor becomes a consumer product remains to be seen. Fitbit has shown an ongoing interest in such a device, and this patent shows a clear technical path for achieving that. It also gives the company more flexibility to offer health-tracking tools without shoehorning them into existing smartwatches.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.

The post Updated Fitbit patent points to finger-worn blood pressure sensor appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

What the patent actually says

Fitbit’s latest filing goes into a lot of detail about how its device could measure blood pressure. The mix of pressure sensors and optical sensors would be embedded in a smartwatch or possibly a ring or band to track changes in blood flow and artery stiffness. Instead of relying on a single method, Fitbit seems to be experimenting with multiple ways to improve accuracy, which is one of the biggest hurdles for cuffless blood pressure monitoring.

One key aspect of the patent is how the device applies and measures pressure. The filing describes a system where sensors press against the skin and detect small mechanical changes caused by blood moving through the arteries. This could work alongside PPG photoplethysmography sensors, which use light to measure blood flow. The patent mentions combining these readings with machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy.

Adjustable pressure might be part of the design. The patent suggests that Fitbit’s wearable could use inflatable or mechanically controlled elements to apply pressure to the skin, similar to how a blood pressure cuff works—but on a much smaller scale. This would allow the device to gather more detailed data without needing an inflatable cuff like the ones used in traditional blood pressure monitors.

Not Fitbit’s first go at this

Fitbit has been chasing non-invasive blood pressure tracking for a while, and this isn’t the first patent the company has filed in this space. Over the years, Fitbit has patented various methods for measuring blood pressure without a cuff, but so far, nothing has made it into a commercial product.

Essential reading: Best fitness trackers and health gadgets

One of the more recent patents, which we covered last year, focused on using Pulse Arrival Time. This method estimates blood pressure by measuring the time it takes for a pulse wave to travel through the body. The idea is that as blood pressure changes, the speed of these waves also changes.

Will this actually show up in a Fitbit watch

Fitbit’s research in this area has been promising over the years, but nothing so far has shown up in a real-world product. So the wait continues for a convenient blood pressure tracking solution.

Right now, there’s no way to know if or when Fitbit will bring this tech to its smartwatches. Companies file patents all the time, and not all of them turn into real products. However, the fact that Fitbit keeps filing patents on blood pressure tracking suggests they’re serious about cracking the problem.

What’s particularly interesting is a mention of a smart ring. With Samsung and Zepp Health recently stepping into this space, Fitbit might be next in line.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

The post Fitbit patent hints at smart ring & smartwatch for blood pressure tracking appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

What smartwatches can (and can’t) do right now

Smartwatches have made big strides in health tracking, but blood pressure monitoring has remained a challenge. Most devices that attempt to track it rely on Photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors, which use light to estimate blood flow. While great for heart rate and oxygen levels, these methods aren’t accurate enough for reliable blood pressure readings.

A few brands have tried incorporating cuff-like technology, but it’s bulky and far from seamless. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch does offer blood pressure tracking in certain regions, but it requires calibration with a traditional cuff and periodic rechecks to stay accurate. You can also enable blood pressure tracking on certain Amazfit watches. And then there’s AKTIIA, a dedicated wearable for tracking blood pressure – but this also works via PPG sensors.

How the Slanj sensor fits in

Novosound’s Slanj sensor takes an entirely different approach. By using continuous ultrasound imaging, it provides precise readings of the radial artery, capturing real-time changes in blood pressure. Unlike optical sensors, which can struggle with reliability, or cuff-based devices that only offer periodic snapshots, Slanj delivers consistent, detailed data throughout the day. This level of accuracy could help users spot trends and anomalies much earlier.

Although Slanj is currently a (rather chunky looking) standalone device, Novosound envisions its tech being built into smartwatches. Which means wearables with hospital-grade blood pressure monitoring built-in.

A glimpse of the future

With heart health already a top priority, adding accurate blood pressure tracking could take wearables to the next level. Instead of bulky, one-off devices for specific health needs, users could get continuous cardiovascular monitoring from something they already wear every day.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Novosound’s Slanj sensor is exciting not just for what it does now but for what it could mean down the line. With its flexible ultrasound technology, smartwatches could finally move beyond basic metrics and deliver hospital-level health insights. The comfort and convenience of continuous monitoring might make managing conditions like hypertension easier and more effective.

For now, the Slanj is a promising step forward. But if this tech finds its way into your next smartwatch, it could reshape how we think about wearables—and what they can do for our health.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

The post Smartwatches could soon track blood pressure with ultrasound appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Refining blood pressure monitoring with FDA approval

Withings says the FDA clearance came through over the past weekend. It affirms the BPM Pro 2’s ability to measure blood pressure and pulse rate accurately.

The device supports the growing trend in healthcare toward remote monitoring solutions. These solutions aim to reduce pressure on healthcare systems and promote more proactive health management.

Withings BPM Pro 2 has an engaging, colour-screen interface which provides real-time feedback, educating users on how to take proper measurements and reducing the risk of inaccuracies. This addresses a key challenge in remote monitoring—ensuring reliable data collection from patients at home.

The device’s Retake Measure function is another thoughtful addition. If a reading falls outside pre-set thresholds, the BPM Pro 2 prompts patients to take another measurement. This helps ensure that only accurate data reaches healthcare providers, reducing the need for follow-up calls and avoiding unnecessary clinical interventions.

Streamlined workflows and patient engagement

But the BPM Pro 2 doesn’t just collect data—it also enriches it with context through its Patient Insights feature. This function allows care teams to gather additional details, such as symptoms or medication adherence, via customized prompts displayed on the device itself. This provides a more holistic view of the patient’s health without requiring extra effort from busy medical staff.

By automating tasks like symptom tracking and reminders, the BPM Pro 2 is designed to integrate into existing clinical workflows, allowing care teams to focus on patients with the most urgent needs. Its cellular connectivity further enhances usability, enabling instant data transmission to healthcare platforms, even in areas with limited network coverage. Backup options for WiFi and Bluetooth ensure no patient is excluded.

A broader push toward preventive healthcare

The FDA announcement is part of a larger narrative for Withings, which is making significant strides in promoting preventive care. Through its $22.5 million participation with the French government’s Project DEEP initiative, the company aims to help transform healthcare systems by equipping providers with tools that detect health issues earlier and reduce the strain on hospitals and clinics. The BPM Pro 2 exemplifies this mission, offering features that reduce clinical workloads.

CES 2025 is just around the corner. And Withings will be there showcasing its range of health products. In fact, BPM Pro 2 has snagged the CES 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Digital Health category. The device was praised for its ability to combine clinical-grade measurements with user-friendly design, ensuring accessibility for patients across demographics.

The Withings BPM Pro 2 is now available for health professionals and care teams. A future update, pending FDA clearance, is set to bring 1-lead ECG functionality for detecting atrial fibrillation in 2025.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

The post Withings BPM Pro 2 receives FDA clearance and CES recognition appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Blood pressure monitoring remains relatively uncommon in the smartwatch market, with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series being among the few notable devices offering this functionality. Their feature works via the optical heart rate sensor while there are a few devices that even offer miniature wrist-based inflatable cuffs! But all of this is still somewhat of a novelty.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Zepp Health first introduced this technology in their GTR 3 Pro model in 2022, followed by the Amazfit Balance. Like Samsung, these devices utilize the watch’s existing optical heart rate sensors, combined with specialized algorithms, to estimate blood pressure readings.

The implementation of this feature has evolved since its initial release. The GTR 3 Pro started with manual measurements, later expanding to include automatic overnight tracking in the Chinese market. The T-Rex 3 now follows a similar pattern to the Balance, offering on-demand measurements only.

How to measure blood pressure with your Amazfit watch

The big caveat here is that the feature does not work in all regions. I am in the UK and the ability to install the blood pressure app is not available. So I had to resort to a workaround.

Basically, you need to create another account for a region where the feature is supported – so I chose Singapore. According to social media, Brazil is another country which has the app enabled. There are probably a few others. This does mean, though, that you need to unpair your watch from your current account – and set it up as a new device on your new account. Yup, not ideal.

Presumably this is to do with regulatory certifications. Some countries are more stringent when it comes to this sort of thing and require more in terms of proof that the device is capable of capturing certain health metrics. This is not a bad thing.

In any case, for those with accounts in approved regions, its a simple matter of downloading the app from the Zepp OS store and installing it on your watch. Afterwards, you simply run the app whenever you wish to take a blood pressure reading.

Now, it is worth noting that you need to perform an initial calibration in order to start using the feature. The watch will notify you of this when you first open the blood pressure app, and initiate a setup screen on the Zepp Health smartphone app. This will walk you through the 10 minute process.

Here are some screenshots on what it consists of.

The gist of it is that you need to take three measurements with a medically certified blood pressure monitor (I used a Withings one) – and three measurements with the Amazfit T-Rex. Both of these should be on your dominant arm. After that is done, you can start using the feature. Also, this calibration needs to be done on a monthly basis. So it is not a one time process.

The app explains that you need to wear your watch tightly and sit still until the measurement completes. It will then start to do its thing and 30 seconds later it will spit out your systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading.

Zepp Health includes a clear disclaimer that these readings are for reference only and not meant for medical decisions. However, independent validation offers some reassurance. Tests conducted by the First Hospital of Peking University on the earlier GTR 3 Pro model demonstrated reasonable accuracy, with variations of less than 5.14mmHg for systolic and 4.88mmHg for diastolic readings compared to medical devices.

In my experience, the readings are more or less where I expect them to be. But it would have been more impressive if the device was able to do this without the calibration. As things stand, I don’t know whether the figures are where I expect them to be because the device is accurate – or because it is piggy-backing on the accurate data captured by the traditional blood pressure monitor.

In any case, these are still early days as far as blood pressure tracking from smartwatches. I expect in the next few years, with advances in sensor technology, the feature will be much more accurate, it will not require calibration and it will be widely available.

In the meantime, those with an Amazfit Balance and T-Rex 3 can explore this functionality via the workaround mentioned above. Just remember to take those readings with a pinch of salt.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

The post Amazfit T-Rex 3 gets blood pressure tracking, but there’s a catch appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Now, this isn’t something you can buy for personal use. There are a wide range of options for that, many of which we have reviewed. This includes Withings BPM Core and BPM Connect. The BPM Pro 2 integrates and automates various aspects of care team workflows.

Providing insights beyond blood pressure readings

For the first time, the device allows care teams to program contextual questions to be asked on the device at the point of care. This enables clinicians to detect anomalies early and automate follow-up actions, such as prompting retakes, sending medication reminders, or even scheduling appointments.

The blood pressure monitor allows healthcare providers to gather critical information from patients, such as symptoms, medication adherence, and sleep patterns, directly through the device’s interface. Patients can also input environmental factors and symptoms during each measurement.

The ability to communicate directly with patients through the device they are using to take measurements is significant. It saves health providers’ staff time, reduces the cost of care, and increases the ability to ensure reimbursement payments. Simultaneously, it educates and motivates patients to take correct and accurate readings, ultimately improving outcomes.

Recognizing the importance of accurate and reliable data, the BPM Pro 2 incorporates several features to improve measurement consistency. The device can be configured to prompt patients to retake their blood pressure readings if they fall outside a predetermined threshold, ensuring abnormally high readings are clarified. Additionally, the device offers an educational module that guides users through the proper techniques for taking blood pressure measurements.

As with all Withings product, the design aspect is a highlight. The BPM Pro 2 packs a vibrant, full-color LCD screen which encourages patients to take their measurements more frequently. The bold text and color-coded feedback system is there to facilitate easy interpretation of the results. Furthermore, the connectivity options, including cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth, ensure that patient-generated data can be easily shared with healthcare partners, regardless of the patient’s location.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

The post Withings BPM Pro 2 adds depth to home blood pressure monitoring appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.