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When it comes to blood pressure technology, what’s new? Learn about the pros and cons of measuring blood pressure from your wrist.

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects around 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women worldwide. Most people don’t experience any symptoms, which means regularly measuring blood pressure is essential to lower the risk of hypertension.

When measuring blood pressure (BP), you usually use a monitor cuff that reads your pressure by tightening and restricting blood flow. While this method is both easy and accurate, some people are looking for new ways to measure blood pressure.

Traditional Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood Pressure Technology, What's NewEven though people with hypertension should measure their BP twice a day, a 2020 survey shows that 31% only measure it once per month (and another 31% measure it once a year). Moreover, a variety of situations can affect the ability to perform accurate or frequent blood pressure readings.

For example, some people may experience nocturnal hypertension, which leads to elevated readings while the person is sleeping. In addition, cuff BP monitoring may not be convenient for people on the go or older adults, which is where wearable tech companies come in.

Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitoring

While multiple cuffless monitoring solutions are being developed, they are limited in accuracy and require frequent calibration against cuff devices. Most cuffless monitors use a PPG sensor to track BP, but they aren’t certified medical devices. Instead, they are sold as lifestyle wearables that aim to build a general picture of your overall health.

Current technology, such as the Samsung Health Monitor app, now allows you to take a reading using the PPG sensor in some Galaxy Watch versions. Moreover, brands like Fitbit and Apple are also looking at introducing similar features.

Blood Pressure Monitoring 24/7

A new addition to the wearable BP tech is the Aktiia, a slim cuffless device worn around the wrist. It takes readings every 90 minutes throughout the day and night using a PPG sensor and sends results to your phone.

Moreover, readings are taken continuously and analyses pulse waves traveling along the arteries to generate estimates of your blood pressure. By measuring your BP 24/7, Aktiia can give you real-time insights into your diet, exercise habits, and more.

The Outlook

l-arginine plusWhile cuffless and wearable monitors may be more convenient, they are not as accurate as traditional monitors. However, they can give you an estimate if your blood pressure and may be used alongside cuff monitors as references.

If you want to stay on top of your blood pressure health, then exercise regularly, eat healthily, and try supplements like L-arginine Plus. Its ingredients promote circulation by boosting nitric oxide levels, which lead to blood vessel dilation and better blood flow.

Give your blood pressure health the support it needs by taking L-arginine Plus and measuring your BP regularly.