After years of waiting, Apple announced at its “awe dropping” event that the Watch Series 11 will have Hypertension Notifications. This joins similar, alert-based Apple Watch health features including notifications for noise, sleep apnea and heart health. 

The groundbreaking new Hypertension Notifications feature is designed to alert users if signs of hypertension (or chronic high blood pressure) are detected. But how exactly does the feature work, and when will it be available? This is everything you need to know.

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure is also called hypertension, and according to the American Heart Association, it occurs when the “force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high.” Hypertension can lead to serious cardiovascular problems like a stroke or heart attack. Contrary to popular belief, high blood pressure can also affect people of all ages — not just adults. 

According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion adults across the globe have hypertension. About 46% of adults with hypertension aren’t even aware that they have the condition because they may not feel any symptoms. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to get your blood pressure checked.

How Apple’s Hypertension Notifications work

In a press release, it’s revealed that the Apple Watch’s optical heart sensor analyzes how its wearer’s blood vessels respond to their heartbeats. Working passively, the algorithm reviews this data over 30-day periods, and if it notices consistent signs of hypertension, it will alert the user. 

Though this feature won’t detect all instances of hypertension, Apple expects these alerts to notify over 1 million people of undiagnosed hypertension within the first year of its launch. This is crucial because there are lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can help people control their high blood pressure, preventing more serious issues down the line. Early intervention and treatment are key. Plus, as we mentioned, people can be unaware that they have hypertension because of no noticeable symptoms, so receiving a hypertension alert on their watch allows them to take action they wouldn’t have otherwise. 

If a hypertension notification is received, Apple recommends that the user log their blood pressure with a third-party blood pressure cuff for seven days before sharing the results with their doctor. 

Hypertension Notifications isn’t intended for use by people under age 22, those who are pregnant or people who have already been diagnosed with hypertension. 

Hypertension Notifications isn’t a blood-pressure reading

Though this new feature can notify you of potential hypertension, it isn’t the same as a blood-pressure reading you’d get from a cuff. That’s because a smartwatch’s optical sensors aren’t as accurate as a cuff that can measure the force of your blood on an artery as it tightens and relaxes around your arm. Unlike a cuff, a smartwatch would also require calibration to create a baseline.

How Hypertension Notifications was designed

Hypertension Notifications was developed using data from multiple studies with over 100,000 participants and advanced machine learning. It was later validated in a clinical study with over 2,000 participants. 

When will Hypertension Notifications be available?

This month, the Hypertension Notifications feature will be available in over 150 countries and regions, including the US and Europe. It can be found on the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. However, these devices must operate on WatchOS 26.

Since the Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 will be released on Sept. 19, we imagine Hypertension Notifications will also become available that day.  

Do Hypertension Notifications have FDA clearance?

Hypertension Notifications doesn’t yet have FDA clearance, but Apple is expecting it “soon,” according to its press release.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.