Apple Watch Users Turn to Wireless Monitors for Blood Pressure Tracking
A growing number of Apple Watch users are exploring wireless blood pressure monitors that sync with their smartwatches, offering a convenient way to track cardiovascular health data on the go.
While the Apple Watch itself lacks a built-in blood pressure sensor, compatible third-party devices allow users to monitor readings directly within the Health app. This capability is particularly valuable for individuals managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease, providing real-time insights and organized data for medical appointments. Several wireless monitors are available, including the Omron Evolv, priced at $60, the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor at $130, and the iHealth Feel Wireless Arm Blood Pressure Monitor at $56, all utilizing Bluetooth connectivity.
These devices typically feature an arm cuff and a dedicated mobile app that seamlessly synchronizes data to the Apple Watch. The Withings monitor, for example, offers immediate color-coded feedback and charts of previous measurements. Regular physical activity, tracked by the Apple Watch, also plays a crucial role in blood pressure management; the watch can monitor steps, heart rate, and even automatically recognize workouts. Maintaining a healthy heart rate, as indicated by a decreasing resting rate, is a key indicator of fitness progress. You can learn more about heart health from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Experts emphasize that these devices are not substitutes for regular checkups with a healthcare professional. However, they can empower individuals to proactively manage their health and share valuable data with their doctors. For additional health tracking features on your Apple Watch, see this article on setting up Vitals.
Health officials continue to encourage proactive health monitoring, especially as preventative care becomes increasingly important in managing chronic conditions.
Tracking your blood pressure is important if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, or if you have other heart-related illnesses. A recent Reddit thread on the topic showed that many people are seeking the best monitor that can connect with their Apple Watch to help track their blood pressure, even while on the go. The Apple Watch doesn’t have a built-in blood pressure sensor, but there are ways it can help track your numbers if you have a compatible monitor. With your smartwatch, you can manage your health with ease.
Connecting a third-party blood pressure cuff to your Apple Watch makes it easier for you to keep track of your readings. Keep in mind, this won’t replace doctor’s checkups, but it does offer real-time insights, early issue detection and organized data for your next appointment. Here’s how to use your Apple Watch to track your blood pressure, along with compatible devices.
For more health tips, find out if your COVID tests are expired and find out your blood type with these methods.
How to use your Apple Watch to track blood pressure
The Health app on your Apple Watch provides a convenient method to consolidate your blood pressure information in one location on a device that remains on your wrist most hours of the day.
While the smartwatch itself cannot directly measure your blood pressure alone, there are compatible tools and devices available that can pair with it. These devices, typically wireless monitors that link to your iPhone or Apple Watch, come with an arm cuff and a dedicated app, enabling seamless synchronization of data to your Apple Watch’s Health app.
Discover the top devices that can sync with your Apple Watch below.
Blood pressure devices that connect with your Apple Watch
Here are three wireless blood pressure monitors that sync to your Apple Watch’s Health app.
- Omron Evolv Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor ($60): The portable monitor provides precise clinical readings and features a built-in display that conveniently shows your results. Through Bluetooth connectivity, the Omron BPM effortlessly syncs with your Apple Watch via the Omron Connect mobile app.
- Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor ($130): Offers immediate color-coded feedback and generates a comprehensive chart of your previous measurements for easy monitoring. You can seamlessly connect your Withings BPM to your Apple Watch using Bluetooth.
- iHealth Feel Wireless Arm Blood Pressure Monitor ($56): The device can save up to 200 readings, and you can view your systolic and diastolic blood pressure via the iHealth App and see if your reading is normal or above average. The iHealth blood pressure monitor syncs to your Apple Watch using Bluetooth.
How to control your blood pressure through exercise
Regular physical activity is widely recognized for promoting a strong and healthy heart, which can regulate blood pressure.
- Utilize your Apple Watch to monitor your daily step count and ensure you’re meeting your targets.
- The smartwatch’s sensor on the back can track your heart rate. A decrease in your resting heart rate indicates progress toward your fitness objectives.
- You can log your exercise with the watch, which offers a selection of 12 workouts or can automatically recognize your activity.
- During workouts, you can conveniently keep an eye on your heart rate and establish thresholds to alert you if it gets too high or low.
For more, here’s how you can set up Vitals to monitor sleep, heart rate and more using your Apple Watch. The Apple Watch can also help integrate exercise and mindfulness into your daily routine.
