Does anyone know if wearable BP monitoring can actually be accurate? I have a relative who is unwell and this could be useful for them but, equally, would be very unhelpful with inaccurate data.
Huawei Watch D2 has an actual blood pressure monitor with inflatable strap. I have no personal experience with that but think it warrants a closer look. The reviews note instrusive phone software though.
It doesn't give you a live BP reading. It just does some sort of fuzzy inference using data over time kind of like how the Whoop tries to estimate your BP in the morning based on overnight data.
The Apple Watch just notifies you when it thinks you might have high BP and you have to use a cuff to see if it's correct. So, we're still some ways away from passive BP.
The wrist cuff from Omron Gold is probably the least-worst option out there, but they'll still have to take it at specific times per day, not wear it constantly. However a lot of my patients use it and like it and I find it relable. Same brand we use in the office.
Also some existing watches will support BP features:
As of September 9, 2025, hypertension notifications are currently under FDA review and expected to be cleared this month, with availability on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.
Are there better alternatives?