Measuring blood pressure is a common scenario when you go to your health care provider. And the best way to measure blood pressure is the blood pressure cuff. But it is a snapshot, just like a flash photograph. It only gives you an intermittent determination.
Measuring blood pressure is a continuous process and you understand the dynamics of that. You can’t even go to the doctor all the time. It would be best for Apple watches that give you your desired result.
Hence, nowadays smartwatches are very effective at measuring blood pressure and you should know how smartwatches measure blood pressure.
So, we can go with new technology such as smartwatches that can measure blood pressure continuously and accurately. Smartwatches are the wearable electronics used here to measure pulse rate velocity and calculate properly to give you continuous blood pressure updates.
Now, let’s explore more about how smartwatches work and how to measure blood pressure easily through them.
How can a smartwatch read blood pressure?
The smartwatch measures blood pressure utilizing Pulse Transit Time (PTT) and two sensor systems on the watch. Such as:
- 1. An electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor
- 2. An optical heart rate (PPG) sensor.
This watch estimates Pulse Transit Time using these two sensors. Pulse transit time means the time it needs for a pulse to travel from the heart to the wrist.
When blood pressure is high, the pulse moves quicker. And when blood pressure is low, the pulse goes slower. Calibration with a certified blood pressure monitor is required to acquire an exact blood pressure measurement.
The system of working of the blood pressure monitor
Blood pressure sensors function differently from heart rate monitors. To correctly measure blood pressure, blood circulation must be temporarily stopped.
This permits the power required by the heart to pump blood across the body to be monitored both throughout and between pumps (the systolic pressure) (the diastolic pressure).
A wrist strap of a Smartwatch works similar to the cuff of an automated blood pressure monitor which is necessary to measure blood pressure.
The system of heart monitor sensor
Many smartwatches have the necessary sensors for health monitoring as standard. The sensors are located on the watch face’s underside. They are continually in contact with the skin of your wrist.
Most watches have instructions on setting the watch on your wrist to get the most accurate data. The sensors produce light that penetrates the skin, allowing the watch to monitor blood flow. This may then be used to determine how quickly your heart is pounding.
Some smartwatches provide complex features such as ECG capability. The sensors for this are not located beneath the watch face. Instead, they are open to the point that a finger may be placed on them.
The Smartwatch monitors electrical impulses when a finger is put on the sensor. This tells if your heart’s beats are irregular or regular.
How to measure blood pressure by smartwatches?
The way of measuring blood pressure is simple. To ensure accurate results, you should carefully read the instructions before getting started. One thing should be noted: caffeine, alcohol, nicotine is to be avoided before measuring the blood pressure.
The necessary following steps are given below:
Step 1: Download the health monitor app and set it up with the instructions.
Step 2: Create a profile and ensure your phone and watch connection.
Step 3: Do an overview of the calibration process of your watch.
Step 4: Make sure the watch is snug on your wrist
Step 5: Fit the blood pressure cuff on the arm opposite your watch
Step 6: Start blood pressure monitor, sit relax and finally the result will come, and it’s done.
How accurately do smartwatches measure blood pressure?
Wrist blood pressure devices are susceptible to changes in body posture. When using a smartwatch to take your blood pressure, ensure your arm and wrist are at heart level.
Blood pressure readings obtained at the wrist are often higher and less reliable than those taken at the upper arm. This is because the arteries in your wrist are thinner than and not as deep beneath your skin as those in your upper arm.
Which are the best results given smartwatches?
There are lots of options in the sector of smartwatches. It would be best to choose the watch that gives you your desired result.
Apple watches, Germin, Fitbit, and The Omron HeartGuide are the most popular, and they work with different characteristics, but results become pretty similar to the accurate.
Verdict
Smartwatches are highly used for so many purposes and it has become very popular among electronic devices. Besides so many functions, measuring blood pressure is a unique feature for smartwatches.
This new advanced wearable technology can measure blood pressure easily. And hopefully, you know now how easily smartwatches measure blood pressure.
It decreases our tensions and opens lots of easy ways to take care of our health just by touching a screen.