Unlocking Heart Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Apple Watch’s Hypertension Feature in watchOS 26 – 9to5Mac

One exciting feature of the latest Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 is the hypertension notification. Good news: with watchOS 26, this helpful feature is also available on older models. Let’s dive into how to set it up and which models work with it.

Compatible Apple Watch Models

Hypertension notifications can be used on these Apple Watch models:

• Apple Watch Series 11
• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra 3
• Apple Watch Ultra 2

To use the feature, you’ll need an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.

Setting Up the Feature

To activate hypertension notifications, you must meet specific requirements:

1. Wrist Detection must be enabled on your Apple Watch.
2. You need to be 22 years or older, not pregnant, and not diagnosed with hypertension.

Once you’ve confirmed these, here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon in the upper corner.
3. Under Features, select Health Checklist.
4. Tap Hypertension Notifications.
5. Confirm your age and health history, then tap Continue.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to learn how the notifications will work.
7. Tap Done to finish.

After setup, don’t expect notifications right away. Apple requires 30 days to collect data and identify any patterns.

According to Apple, the watch uses the optical heart sensor to monitor your health and will alert you if it detects potential hypertension over this initial month.

Expert Insights

Recent studies show that hypertension is a growing concern worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that nearly 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 have hypertension. This new feature on the Apple Watch could be crucial in managing this health risk effectively.

User Reactions

On social media, many users appreciate the convenience of tracking their health through a device they wear daily. Tweets often highlight how this feature could lead to early detection and better health management.

For more detailed information, check the full support document on Apple’s website.

This feature not only underscores Apple’s commitment to health and wellness but also provides a valuable tool for managing hypertension, a condition that affects so many people today.

Source link