Can the Apple Watch feature diagnose high blood pressure?

No, the Apple Watch feature is not intended to diagnose or manage high blood pressure; it is designed to identify patterns indicative of chronic high blood pressure and prompt users to seek clinical evaluation if suspected.

Is the Apple Watch hypertension notification reliable for screening?

The current performance of the Apple Watch hypertension notification feature is not considered suitable for large-scale, reliable hypertension screening due to the potential for misclassification and false reassurance.

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Apple Watch BP Alert: Not a Doctor?

Q: What is the risk of using the Apple Watch for high blood pressure detection?

The main risk is 'false reassurance,' where individuals with undiagnosed hypertension might not receive an alert, potentially leading to deferred care and delayed diagnosis.

9 Feb

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Summary

Apple Watch high blood pressure feature not a substitute for screening.
Study warns of potential 'false reassurance' from watch alerts.
Most undiagnosed hypertension cases may not trigger watch notification.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that the Apple Watch's feature for detecting signs of high blood pressure should not be used as a replacement for regular screening. Studies indicate that the feature, while approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, carries a risk of "false reassurance."

The analysis revealed that nearly 59% of individuals with undiagnosed hypertension might not receive an alert from the Apple Watch. This lack of notification could lead some to forgo essential clinical evaluations, delaying diagnosis and treatment for a condition that is often symptomless.

While the Apple Watch feature can identify patterns indicative of chronic high blood pressure through its heart sensor and a 30-day evaluation, experts emphasize its limitations. They stress that it is not intended to diagnose or manage hypertension and should not substitute standard cuff-based blood pressure checks.