Hypertension is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and death in the world. Every year, over 7.6 million people across the world are killed by hypertension-related disorders, making hypertension a main CVD risk factor. However, many people do not know they have hypertension and of those who are aware, a small proportion is able to achieve blood pressure control. As a result, extended hypertension can eventually lead to CVD such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Thanks to technological advancements, the blood pressure watch has the potential to become a life-saving solution for hypertension patients.
Comprehensive, just-in-time, and convenient blood pressure monitor
Risk factors for developing hypertension include aging, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress among others. According to the WHO statistics, hypertension is a common problem for up to 40% of adults in the world.
A research study across 17 countries found that only 46.5% of hypertension patients are aware they have the condition. Of those who are aware, only 32.5% of patients taking anti-hypertensive medication achieve normal blood pressure. Hypertension usually has no signs or symptoms in the early stage, therefore most people are unaware until they measure blood pressure at a clinic or hospital.
Home blood pressure monitors have been recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA), as an important way to help patients adhere to medication regimens and to increase awareness and control of blood pressure values. Traditionally, most home sphygmomanometers are oscillometric monitors that measure blood pressure with an inflatable cuff. Despite its extensive application, oscillometric measurement has some disadvantages. For example, users must be careful with size and placement of the cuff for accurate readings. Higher readings could also result from potential feelings of discomfort or anxiety caused by inflation of the arm cuff. The main disadvantage is that such kinds of blood pressure monitors are not designed for portable use, and they are noisy and bulky, only suitable for use at home.
At the same time, home blood pressure monitors do not capture blood pressure fluctuations.
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Blood pressure values fluctuate on a heartbeat by heartbeat basis, it is not unusual for it vary within a short period of time because values are greatly influenced by external and internal factors, such as the emotional state or environment of the person. Conventional oscillometric sphygmanometers only provide a blood pressure value during a moment of time. No information is collected about how blood pressure fluctuates and under what circumstances, throughout the day.
To overcome these disadvantages, Heartisans of Hong Kong with the support of Arrow Open Lab is developing a blood pressure watch that can monitor blood pressure ubiquitously to keep a fuller record of blood pressure change for users to become aware of and manage their cardiac health. This cuff-less wireless wristwatch device enables users to calmly measure blood pressure by placing a finger on the sensor for 30 seconds. In addition, it can keep track on the user’s blood pressure change over time to depict a more accurate picture of the user’s cardiac health with more data.
Heartisans watch measures blood pressure by counting the time for transmitting pulse from the heart to the wrist. That is to say, hypertension users have faster heart-wrist pulse transmission than non-hypertension users. While blood pressure changes constantly, heart-wrist pulse transmission time varies. Data of ubiquitous blood pressure measurement and real-time electrocardiography (ECG) analysis will be transferred to the mobile app for users to track and share blood pressure data.
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As a wearable, it can track activities such as steps, stairs climbed and kilometers run. By recording and tracking the condition of blood pressure change and correlations with activities, users can understand in what situations (e.g. under tension), time, locations, and activities their blood pressure will rise for users to observe more clearly and manage better their activities.
More importantly, this blood pressure watch enables hypertension and heart disease patients to monitor their symptoms and check their vital signs when they feel uncomfortable. For example, when a hypertension patient suddenly palpitates while shopping, he/she can record his/her blood pressure, heart rate, ECG and symptoms with this watch and show such information to the physician to help the physician make more accurate diagnosis.
The blood pressure watch is an innovative application of technology. Apart from helping people to improve health, there underlies enormous business opportunities. While healthcare is a rising concern in an aging society, the market of relevant healthcare products will continue to expand. Electronic device manufacturers should exert their creativity to develop more new products to help people manage and promote health.
Want to maintain good health with technology? See more what Arrow offers to help.