Apple has received FDA clearance for a groundbreaking hypertension detection feature on its Apple Watch, marking a significant advancement in accessible healthcare technology. This new functionality, arriving with the watchOS 9 update on September 15th, will be available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. The feature leverages the watch's existing optical heart sensor to analyze how blood vessels react to heartbeats. Over a 30-day period, a sophisticated algorithm processes this data to identify potential signs of high blood pressure, providing users with timely notifications. This non-invasive approach offers a convenient way for individuals to monitor their blood pressure, potentially enabling early detection and intervention for hypertension. The rollout will encompass over 150 countries and regions, expanding access to this potentially life-saving technology. This FDA approval represents a significant step forward in using wearable technology for proactive health management, potentially improving early diagnosis rates and ultimately improving patient outcomes for hypertension management worldwide.
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Originally published at: https://www.theverge.com/news/776942/apple-watch-hypertension-feature-cleared-by-fda
