New Apple Watch algorithms can alert users to elevated blood pressure using only the optical heart rate sensor and machine learning technologies, without requiring a traditional blood pressure cuff.
G. Ostrov
Apple has unveiled revolutionary technology that enables the Apple Watch to detect hypertension without using a traditional blood pressure monitor. This innovative system is based on analyzing optical heart rate sensor data using machine learning algorithms.
How the Technology Works
Since 2019, Apple has conducted extensive research, analyzing optical heart rate sensor data from Apple Watch devices worn by 100,000 participants. The study's objective was to understand how blood vessels respond to heartbeats and which changes might indicate elevated arterial pressure.
Based on collected data and machine learning technologies, the company developed a sophisticated algorithm capable of tracking subtle changes in heart rhythm characteristic of hypertension. When the system detects potential signs of elevated blood pressure, the watch automatically sends a notification to the user with a recommendation to measure blood pressure using a traditional monitor and consult a physician.
Clinical Trials and Approval
The new technology successfully underwent clinical trials involving 2,000 participants, confirming its effectiveness in early hypertension detection. The US regulator has already approved the use of this feature, paving the way for its widespread implementation.
Importance of Early Detection
According to statistics, approximately 46% of people with hypertension are unaware of having this condition, as it often progresses without obvious symptoms. This is why hypertension is called the "silent killer" - it can damage the cardiovascular system for years while remaining undetected.
Availability and Requirements
The feature is available to users in 150 countries worldwide. To activate it, users must enable notification calibration in Apple Watch settings and wait 30 days for sufficient data collection. The feature requires the latest versions of iOS and watchOS and is compatible only with Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 or newer models.
This innovation represents a significant step forward in wearable medical technology and could substantially improve early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
More information about the technology is available on the official website: Apple Health
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