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Apple has introduced a new feature called Hypertension Notifications alongside its latest smartwatch models, designed to alert users when there is a sudden increase in blood pressure levels. Notably, this capability won’t be limited solely to the newest devices, such as the Apple Watch Series 11. Instead, it will also be accessible on select older models, with the exception of the entry-level Apple Watch SE series.
When will it be available?
This hypertension alert system will be broadly compatible with smartwatches powered by the Apple S9 or S10 chips and running watchOS 26. The compatible models include:
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
It’s important to keep in mind that, at present, the Hypertension Notifications feature has not yet received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Apple expects to complete this approval process by September. Once authorized, the feature will be rolled out to users across more than 150 countries.
A closer look at the hypertension alert
This new artificial intelligence-enhanced wellness feature relies on data collected by the watch’s optical heart rate sensor, which monitors blood flow within the vessels. It operates in the background by analyzing information from the past 30 days. The sensor’s data allows the device to assess potential blood pressure concerns. The validation of this feature comes from a clinical study involving over 2,000 participants.
In terms of user eligibility, individuals need to be over the age of 22 to access this feature. It is not recommended for people who have previously been diagnosed with hypertension or for pregnant women.
What does a hypertension alert mean?
According to Apple, the feature uses AI to analyze blood flow readings—obtained via the optical heart sensor—and assess the data over time. When the system detects a significant rise suggestive of high blood pressure, it notifies the user. However, it’s worth noting that the watch provides only an alert about elevated blood pressure levels; it does not deliver specific systolic or diastolic measurements comparable to those from medical-grade blood pressure monitors.
The company anticipates that, given the extensive global population affected by hypertension, the feature could potentially notify more than one million individuals with undiagnosed high blood pressure within its first year. Following a notification, users are encouraged to measure their blood pressure with a cuff-style monitor for seven days and to consult a healthcare professional with their findings.
From a practical standpoint, users should be aware that the smartwatch’s warning is not a definitive diagnosis but a prompt to seek further evaluation. It’s also important to mention that similar blood pressure monitoring features are available on competing devices from brands like Samsung and Huawei.
Additional considerations
To access this feature, users must be over 22 years old, and it’s not suitable for those with a pre-existing hypertension diagnosis or pregnant women. The system’s primary function is to provide early warnings of potential blood pressure issues, not to replace professional medical assessment.
In summary, this innovative feature enhances the Apple Watch’s health-tracking capabilities by offering users an accessible early detection tool for hypertension, supporting proactive health management on a global scale.
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