Omron, a ubiquitous name when it comes to blood pressure measurement, is about to release the first smartwatch that can measure blood pressure directly from the wrist. The Omron HeartGuide sports a band that doubles as a blood pressure cuff, inflating when requested through the touchscreen of the watch.
The watch can be programmed to take blood pressure readings even while sleeping, a particularly useful feature as sleep-time readings can be the most accurate when assessing a patient’s baseline. It also monitors the wearer’s heart rate and sleep quality.
The HeartGuide syncs its data with the Omron Connect App, which is also slated to be released, where users can store their blood pressure readings, as well as heart rate history and how restful sleep was.
Omron touts its R&D work to build such a small blood pressure system, as some of the valves and pumps within the HeartGuide are no larger than a grain of rice. Whatever the wristband is made of is supposedly five times stronger than steel, according to the company. This allows the device to safely inflate to high pressure without breaking apart.
The device still needs to receive final review from the FDA and be clinically validated, but Omron expects that to happen rather quickly.
Here’s a promo video for the Omron HeartGuide:
Product page: HeartGuide…