How To Check Blood Pressure With An Apple Watch?

Apple Watch is known for its plethora of health and fitness tracking features; however, there is only so much that a watch can do. One limitation is its inability to check blood pressure.

Yes, it cannot check your blood pressure directly. However, if you have a blood pressure monitor, you can combine it with your watch. So, how do you do it? Well, keep on reading to learn more.

Why can’t the Apple Watch Check Your Blood Pressure?#

To answer this question correctly, the Apple Watch cannot check blood pressure correctly because it does not come with a cuff. You need to cuff the upper arm to measure the blood pressure accurately.

Apple Watch has electric and optical sensors that can track heart rate and oxygen level, but it is still not advanced enough to measure blood pressure. However, Samsung smart watches can measure blood pressure using the PTT technique, after calibration with a cuff monitor. 

If Apple decides to implement this feature, Apple Smart Watches can also start checking blood pressure. PTT is a smart feature that measures how long it takes for the pulse wave to travel from one point to another. This smart technique and FD approval can further progress Apple Watch’s watches.

How to combine an Apple Watch with a Blood Pressure Monitor#

Choose A Monitor#

The first step is to select a blood pressure monitor that can connect to iOS via Bluetooth. If the monitor does not support iOS, this will not be possible. Smart monitors like Qardio and Withings are some of the best smart monitors for these purposes.

Install the Monitor on Your iPhone#

Next, you have to install the monitor’s app on your iPhone. Qardio has the Qardio health app, while Withings has Health Mate.

Pair Monitor With Iphone#

Once the app is installed, pair it with the blood pressure monitor. To do this, go to settings and follow the pairing instructions. Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled at all times so that the pairing succeeds.

Install App on Apple Watch#

Once pairing is done, install the blood pressure app on the Apple Watch. You will find this app option under Available apps. Click to install it.

Take The Reading#

Now, I cuff the person’s upper arm with the equipment and take the reading on my iPhone or Apple Watch. In most cases, it will show up on Apple Watch; if not, you can view it on your iPhone. To keep track of it, I sync the readings with the health app to stay updated daily.

How Accurate Are The Blood Pressure Readings From Your Apple Watch#

Once connected to the monitor, Blood Pressure readings on your Apple Watch are pretty accurate. When I do this with my parents, I even share the reports with the doctors, who take these reports into consideration.

Since Apple Watch stores the report from the monitor connected to the cuff, these reports are very reliable. However, if you are planning to take some medications, then I suggest you get suggestions from a doctor.

These features allow one to know their blood pressure level and be updated on it. The purpose of an Apple Watch is to enable users to keep track of their blood pressure levels and avoid any severe consequences, but it does not play the role of a doctor.

If you need a serious checkup and help, always consult a doctor. The reports from Apple Watch, in combination with a doctor’s guidance, can help you achieve your desired blood pressure levels and live life to the fullest.

Wrapping Up#

For the price we pay for an Apple Watch, I believe it should have this feature. Mostly, becuase other smart watches do have this feature like Amazfit, Samsung and Noise. These are only a few because tons of other watches also have this facility.

Apple should live up to its reputation and bring this feature in quickly. However, let’s not forget that Apple Watches offer tons of other Features in terms of health and fitness. If you are someone who really needs their blood pressure to be in check, then getting this watch can be a disadvantage, but if not, then I am sure its other benefits will lift you up.

Frequently Asked Questions#