On September 11, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the Apple watch to provide notifications to users who exhibit signs of hypertension,or high blood pressure. This marks a notable expansion of the apple Watch's health monitoring capabilities, moving beyond basic fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring.
The new feature continuously monitors heart rate data and analyzes it for irregularities that could indicate hypertension. If the watch detects a pattern consistent with high blood pressure, it will alert the user. It's significant to note that the Apple Watch is *not* a diagnostic tool; the alerts are designed to prompt users to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. The feature is intended to work in conjunction with existing blood pressure monitoring practices.