A smartwatch measures blood pressure primarily using pulse wave analysis.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
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Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA): Smartwatches, like the Galaxy Watch, employ Pulse Wave Analysis. This technology leverages the watch's built-in heart rate sensor.
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Heart Rate Sensor: The heart rate sensor tracks your heart rate. The watch uses the heart rate to generate the pulse wave.
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Calibration (Required for some models): Some smartwatches require initial calibration with a traditional blood pressure monitor. This involves taking simultaneous readings from both the watch and the cuff-based monitor. This calibration process allows the smartwatch to learn the user's specific pulse wave characteristics relative to their actual blood pressure. After this initial calibration, the smartwatch can then estimate blood pressure without the need for a cuff.
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Estimation, not Direct Measurement: It's crucial to understand that smartwatches using PWA estimate blood pressure, they don't directly measure it in the same way as a cuff-based monitor. The accuracy of these estimations can vary.
Caveats:
- Not a Replacement for a Medical Device: Smartwatch blood pressure monitoring is not a substitute for regular check-ups with a healthcare professional or the use of a clinically validated blood pressure monitor.
- Accuracy Considerations: Several factors can affect the accuracy of smartwatch blood pressure readings, including movement, proper fit of the watch, and individual variations in physiology.
