AI uncovers notification for new blood pressure feature in Apple Watch

"The blood pressure alert feature uses machine learning to detect patterns in heart and movement data collected through the Apple Watch. Apple's vice president of health, Sumbul Ahmad Desai, said that the company trained its AI models using information from a 100,000-participant study launched in 2019. The study analyzed the watch's primary heart-related sensors, including photoplethysmography (PPG), to identify signals corresponding to traditional blood pressure measurements."

"After multiple layers of algorithm refinement, Apple validated the results in a separate study of 2,000 participants. This study tested the AI's ability to detect elevated blood pressure against clinically measured readings. Desai noted that privacy protections limit ongoing data collection outside of such structured studies, ensuring user data is not continuously harvested without consent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the feature for use, but it is not intended to replace standard blood pressure monitoring."

"The alert is designed to flag potential high blood pressure, encouraging users to confirm readings using a conventional cuff and to seek guidance from healthcare professionals. High blood pressure affects over 1 billion people globally, with roughly half unaware of their condition. Early detection is critical, as hypertension contributes to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health complications."

The Apple Watch includes a blood pressure alert that uses machine learning to detect patterns in heart and movement data from wrist sensors, including photoplethysmography (PPG). AI models were trained on a 100,000-participant study launched in 2019 and validated in a separate 2,000-participant study comparing alerts to clinically measured readings. Privacy protections limit ongoing data collection outside structured studies. The feature received U.S. FDA clearance but is not a replacement for cuff-based measurement. Alerts are designed to prompt confirmation with a conventional cuff and consultation with healthcare professionals. Early detection aims to reduce undiagnosed hypertension and related complications.

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