Seven years ago, Samsung announced plans to introduce blood pressure monitoring capabilities to its smartwatches. This week, the feature was first granted to users in the United States. The Apple Watch has since added its own blood pressure monitoring capabilities, but the two approaches differ in scope.
Samsung monitors your blood pressure…if you already have a blood pressure monitor
Back in 2019, it seemed noteworthy that Samsung was working on blood pressure monitoring before the Apple Watch.
A new member of the Galaxy wearable series, Galaxy Watch Active brings smarter blood pressure tracking to your wrist.
The feature appears to have started rolling out the following year, but lacked regulatory approval in the U.S. Samsung announced today that the ability to “monitor and track” blood pressure is now available to users in the United States.
However, the technology hasn’t really changed. For example, using this feature on a Samsung smartwatch requires regular access to actual blood pressure monitoring hardware.
Samsung’s blood pressure technology adjusts the values and changes in blood pressure to estimate blood pressure. To ensure accuracy, users must calibrate their Galaxy Watch every 28 days using the upper arm cuff (sold separately). Compatible Galaxy watches use built-in heart rate monitoring sensors to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate.
As an Apple Watch user, I still don’t mind this tradeoff. It may be helpful to use the upper arm cuff once a month and have access to more information on your Apple Watch.
Apple Watch supports high blood pressure notifications
For now, Apple’s approach is simpler. Apple Watch monitors for signs of high blood pressure and lets you know if you might be developing high blood pressure.
If so, the next step is to use a blood pressure monitor to track your readings twice a day for a week. This is basically what your doctor will tell you to do at home before determining your high blood pressure.
High blood pressure notifications are a supported feature on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.
Does Samsung’s approach to blood pressure monitoring appeal to you? Should Apple consider similar features in future software updates? Share your thoughts in the comments.
(Tag Translation) Samsung
