Smartwatches with blood pressure monitor offer convenient wrist-based monitoring, aiding early detection of potential health issues. While helpful for tracking irregularities and supporting cardiovascular health, they should complement, not replace, regular medical check-ups.
Can a smartwatch measure blood pressure?
Yes, many modern smartwatches with blood pressure measurement can measure blood pressure directly on the wrist. However, there are differences in technology and accuracy.
How does blood pressure measurement work on a smartwatch?
Optical sensors (PPG – photoplethysmography):
Most smartwatches measure blood pressure using optical sensors that send light pulses into the skin and detect blood flow in the blood vessels. Blood pressure is calculated from the data obtained.
Micro airbag technology: (e.g. Kardena CARE Air 2)
Some advanced health watches, such as the Kardena CARE Air 2, use micro airbag technology that inflates slightly like a cuff, allowing for more accurate measurements.
The Best Smartwatches for Blood Pressure Monitoring
When it comes to reliably measuring blood pressure, there are some of the best smartwatches for blood pressure monitoring that stand out. The selection of the best smartwatches depends on various factors such as accuracy, ease of use, and additional health features.
Some of the top-rated fitness watches with blood pressure monitoring include:
-
Kardena Care Air 3: a state-of-the-art blood pressure smartwatch that utilizes advanced German sensor technology and innovative micro airbag features to provide precise wrist-based blood pressure monitoring. Launched in early 2025, this device offers continuous health tracking, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels, making it an essential tool for those seeking comprehensive health insights. Its user-friendly design ensures seamless integration into daily routines, catering to individuals who prioritize accurate and convenient health monitoring.
-
Kardena CARE One 2: This health watch combines versatile functions such as blood pressure monitoring, ECG, and sleep analysis. It is particularly user-friendly, as it works without an app or smartphone. Ideal for seniors and anyone looking for a simple solution.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: This smartwatch with blood pressure monitoring offers precise measurement and additional features such as ECG and heart rate monitoring.
-
Kardena CARE Air: With innovative micro-airbag technology, this watch provides particularly accurate blood pressure measurements, distinguished by OSRAM sensor-based technology. The CARE Air is ideal for users who value maximum accuracy.
Kardena® CARE Air 2 incl. innovative micro-airbag - Withings BPM Core: A blood pressure monitoring device and health watch with ECG and blood pressure measurement in one, ideal for those who need comprehensive health data.
- Apple Watch Series 8: Known for its versatility and precision, this watch also offers continuous blood pressure monitoring and ECG-based blood pressure measurements.
These smartwatches with blood pressure monitoring not only provide accurate readings but also offer additional features such as arrhythmia detection and heart rate variability analysis, making them the best health watches for blood pressure monitoring.
Why is it important to monitor blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a key indicator of heart health. Persistently elevated blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Regular monitoring is therefore important to identify risks early and take appropriate measures. A smartwatch with blood pressure function enables continuous monitoring and helps to observe fluctuations throughout the day that are influenced by factors such as stress and activity.
Who are these health watches useful for?
Health watches with blood pressure measurement are of great benefit to a wide range of people, especially the following groups:
- Seniors: Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for older adults to identify age-related cardiovascular issues early. A health watch with blood pressure measurement provides seniors with a convenient way to track their health and address potential concerns promptly.
- Pregnant women: Health watches can help detect signs of preeclampsia early by continuously monitoring blood pressure. This feature is especially important because preeclampsia can be dangerous for both the mother and the unborn baby. A health watch with blood pressure measurement allows pregnant women to closely monitor their cardiovascular health during pregnancy.
- Athletes: It is important for athletes to monitor the effects of exercise on blood pressure. A fitness watch with blood pressure measurement can help control cardiovascular load during exercise and ensure that exercise remains within healthy limits.
- People with pre-existing conditions: Those living with cardiovascular diseases can greatly benefit from continuous blood pressure monitoring. A health watch with this feature enables them to closely track their health and respond quickly to dangerous fluctuations.
These health watches provide valuable support for anyone who wants to regularly monitor their cardiovascular health and are therefore of great value to a wide range of users.
What problems can be detected by measuring blood pressure with a Smartwatch?
A smartwatch with blood pressure measurement can detect various health problems early, including:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): A health watch with blood pressure monitoring provides regular data to detect and track elevated blood pressure levels.
- Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Regular measurements can identify low blood pressure, which is especially important for those experiencing dizziness.
- Arrhythmia: Certain watches can detect irregular heart rhythms, potentially signaling serious issues like atrial fibrillation.
- Blood Pressure Variability: Tracking daily fluctuations helps identify concerns such as stress or ineffective medication.
What to Do if Your Smartwatch Measures High Blood Pressure?
If your smartwatch shows a high blood pressure reading, it’s important to remain calm and follow these steps:
- Re-measure: Take another reading to confirm the result, as occasional inaccuracies can occur.
- Stay calm: Sit down, breathe deeply, and relax. Stress and anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure.
- Consult a doctor: If elevated readings persist, seek medical advice for further evaluation and guidance.
- Adjust your lifestyle: Incorporate healthy changes like a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management to help lower blood pressure over time.
While health watches are valuable tools for tracking blood pressure, they should not replace professional medical advice. Persistent or unusual readings should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The Importance of Smartwatches in Blood Pressure Monitoring
Health watches with blood pressure measurement are excellent tools for maintaining cardiovascular health in daily life. They benefit seniors, pregnant women, athletes, and individuals with pre-existing conditions by enabling continuous blood pressure monitoring, which can be life-saving.
When choosing the best health watch for blood pressure measurement, prioritize accuracy and ease of use. These devices empower you to monitor your health effectively and identify potential risks early. However, they are not a replacement for medical consultations. If abnormal readings or symptoms occur, it’s essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
