Apple has just released exciting news about its latest health feature for the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: hypertension notifications. The company received clearance from the FDA, allowing this feature to go live shortly.
Hypertension notifications will be available in over 150 regions, including the US, EU, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. This feature isn’t limited to the newest models; it’s also compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.
So, what exactly does this feature do? Apple explains that it uses the watch’s optical heart sensor to track how blood vessels respond to heartbeats. Over a 30-day period, the watch gathers data. If it detects consistent signs of high blood pressure, it will notify the wearer. This simple, passive feature can help users make important health decisions.
Apple suggests that the hypertension notifications could reach nearly half of those with high blood pressure and potentially identify over 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension in its first year. During testing, the feature showed 95.3% specificity in identifying those without full hypertension but still had elevated readings. This highlights the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke, sparking conversations with doctors about long-term health.
Hypertension affects millions globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.28 billion people aged 30-79 are living with hypertension, with many unaware of their condition. This watch feature provides a proactive tool to help users stay on top of their health.
In today’s fast-paced world, technology like this can empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. With the ability to track health metrics conveniently, wearables are changing how we approach health management.
For more detailed statistics and insights on hypertension, check out the WHO’s comprehensive reports on cardiovascular health here.
