How to enable your Apple Watch's Hypertension Detection feature - and why you should

"Nina Raemont/ZDNET Apple's Hypertension Detection feature could be the reason you learn about your high blood pressure. The feature is available on the latest lineup of Apple Watches that the tech giant unveiled earlier this month, but it's also available on later models updated to WatchOS 26. Hypertension Detection recently received FDA clearance, validating the feature's clinical ability to detect hypertension in Apple Watch wearers. In developing the feature, Apple used data from more than 100,000 study participants to understand hypertension's presence in the body."

"Hypertension Detection monitors blood pressure over a 30-day period to measure blood volume. After 30 days, the user receives a rating that indicates whether their blood pressure is above or below the hypertension threshold. This feature does not monitor daily or hourly blood pressure and can't take momentary readings. Instead, it's a detection mechanism that views blood pressure activity longitudinally."

"Which watches support Hypertension Detection? Apple unveiled the Hypertension Detection feature on the new Series 11 and Ultra 3. The feature is also available through WatchOS 26. The smartwatches that can be updated to the latest software include Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Ultra 2 and later. The Apple Watches SE do not have this feature."

Hypertension Detection monitors blood pressure over a 30-day period by measuring blood volume and then provides a rating indicating whether blood pressure crosses the hypertension threshold. The feature cannot take momentary or hourly readings and is not designed for daily monitoring. FDA clearance confirms the feature's clinical ability to detect hypertension. Apple used data from more than 100,000 study participants to develop the detection algorithm. The feature is available on Series 11 and Ultra 3 and on watches updated to watchOS 26, including Apple Watch Series 9 and later and Ultra 2 and later; Apple Watch SE is not supported. Hypertension notifications can be enabled in the Health app under Heart and Health Checklist.

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