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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.
Smart Watches with Blood Pressure Monitors: Are They Reliable?
Introduction
Smartwatches with blood pressure monitoring capabilities have gained popularity in recent years. Many people rely on these devices for daily health tracking. However, how accurate are they? Can they replace traditional blood pressure monitors? Let's explore these questions in detail.
How Do Smartwatches Measure Blood Pressure?
Most smartwatches estimate blood pressure using one of two methods:
- Photoplethysmography (PPG): Uses light sensors to detect blood volume changes in the wrist.
- Oscillometric Technology: Similar to regular blood pressure cuffs, some smartwatches use inflatable wristbands to measure blood pressure more directly.
While these methods sound promising, they are often prone to inaccuracies due to movement, improper fit, or external factors like skin tone and temperature.
Accuracy: Can You Trust Smartwatch Readings?
- Variability in Accuracy: Unlike clinically approved devices, smartwatch readings can fluctuate, making them less reliable for diagnosing hypertension.
- FDA and CE Approvals: Only a few smartwatches have received medical-grade approvals.
- Best Usage Practice: Always compare smartwatch readings with a traditional blood pressure monitor to ensure accuracy.
Benefits and Limitations
✅ Benefits:
- Convenient for continuous monitoring.
- Can help track trends over time.
- Useful for lifestyle assessments (e.g., effects of diet and exercise).
❌ Limitations:
- Not as accurate as traditional blood pressure monitors.
- May not be suitable for patients with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions.
- Environmental factors can affect readings.
Medical Recommendation
- If you have hypertension or heart disease, use a validated upper-arm blood pressure monitor instead.
- Always consult your doctor before relying on smartwatch readings.
Conclusion
Smartwatches with blood pressure monitors are a great tool for general health tracking, but they should not replace clinically validated blood pressure devices. If you use one, regularly compare the readings with a traditional monitor and discuss findings with your healthcare provider.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Blood Pressure Measurement
- 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/-/media/files/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/how_to_measure_your_blood_pressure_letter_size.pdf
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/1001/p1391.html
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/25/the-rules-for-measuring-blood-pressure-and-why-they-exist
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
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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!
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