Apple has launched a new hypertension notification feature in India, enabling Apple Watch users to detect signs of chronic high blood pressure early. Using advanced algorithms and optical sensors, the feature monitors vascular response over 30 days and alerts users
Hypertension notification feature now available on Apple Watch Series 9 and upwards. Pic/Apple
Apple Watch users in India will now have access to a groundbreaking hypertension notification feature designed to alert users if they have signs of chronic high blood pressure.
Launched on December 4, Apple described this as a significant step in preventive health technology, particularly in a country where lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise.
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease, affecting nearly 1.3 billion adults worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of symptoms or irregular medical check-ups. Even during clinical visits, a single blood pressure reading may fail to capture the condition accurately, and that is where the latest feature in the Apple Watch will come into play.
The latest feature in the Apple Watch uses its optical heart sensor to analyse how a user’s blood vessels respond to each heartbeat. While running passively in the background, the algorithm reviews data over a 30-day period and notifies users if it identifies consistent indicators of hypertension.
These alerts can prompt timely behavioural changes or medical intervention, potentially reducing the risk of long-term complications, making it a life-saving feature.
Apple, while briefing about this life-saving feature on the Watch, also asserted that if users receive a hypertension notification, it is recommended that they log their blood pressure for seven days using a third-party blood pressure cuff and share the results with their doctor at their next visit.
Apple, while emphasising this feature, also highlighted that, “Like all of Apple’s health features, hypertension notifications are grounded in rigorous scientific validation. The feature was developed with advanced machine learning and training data from multiple studies involving over 100,000 participants.”
World Heart Federation’s president, Professor Dorairaj Prabhakaran, while highlighting this feature, said that “Hypertension is one of the most widespread yet under-diagnosed health conditions. Integrating opportunistic detection into a device people wear daily will democratise access for early detection and help people have more informed conversations with their doctors.”
However, Apple further highlighted that the latest hypertension notifications will only be available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. The tech giant also emphasised that this feature is not intended for use by people under 22 years old, those who have been previously diagnosed with hypertension, or during pregnancy.
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