About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Blood Pressure Monitor Watches: Are They Reliable?
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is one of the key indicators of cardiovascular health, and monitoring it regularly is essential for preventing hypertension-related complications. Today, wearable blood pressure monitor watches are becoming increasingly popular. But how reliable are they compared to traditional BP measurement methods? Let’s explore.
How Blood Pressure Monitor Watches Work
Most BP monitor watches estimate blood pressure using one of two methods:
- Optical Sensors (Photoplethysmography - PPG): These sensors detect blood volume changes using light absorption through the skin.
- Oscillometric Method (Similar to Conventional BP Cuffs): Some advanced watches have inflatable wrist cuffs that mimic traditional BP measurement techniques.
Accuracy and Limitations
While wearable BP monitors offer convenience, they have limitations:
- Less Accurate Than Medical Devices: Wrist-based BP measurements are often influenced by body position, movement, and sensor placement.
- Not Clinically Validated in All Cases: Not all BP watches meet international medical accuracy standards.
- May Require Calibration: Some devices require manual calibration using a traditional BP cuff for accurate readings.
Who Can Benefit from a BP Monitor Watch?
- People with Hypertension: Helps in tracking trends over time.
- Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts: Monitors how exercise affects BP.
- Elderly Individuals: Useful for frequent BP monitoring.
Best Practices for Accurate Readings
- Keep Your Wrist at Heart Level: Incorrect positioning can lead to inaccurate measurements.
- Remain Seated & Still: Movement can affect readings.
- Calibrate if Required: Follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Use as a Supplement, Not a Replacement: Wearable BP monitors should not replace traditional medical BP monitors.
Conclusion
Blood pressure monitor watches can be useful tools for tracking trends in BP but should not be solely relied upon for medical diagnoses. Always consult your doctor for accurate BP management and use clinically validated devices whenever possible.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Blood Pressure Monitoring
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000087
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
2. European Society of Hypertension Guidelines on Blood Pressure Measurement
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18622223/
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12714851/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.