Omron, the household name in blood pressure monitors is about to release the world’s first FDA cleared, medical grade, wearable blood pressure monitor in the form of a smartwatch. Named as HeartGuide, it delivers powerful technology that streamlines the blood pressure monitoring for millions with hypertension.
In combination with the companion app Heartadvisor, the watch can proactively monitor heart rate and overtime track trends with a color-coded display that makes interpretations easier. The real-time heart monitoring generates an algorithm based on a person's daily activity data and can send daily actionable reminders. The app further compares the readings to current American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines and share data with the healthcare provider.
The watch itself is equipped with a flexible, synthetic band that inflates to measure the blood pressure via oscillometry without the tightening and uncomfortable feeling associated with blood pressure cuffs. It is necessarily a full-size blood pressure monitor that has been shrunk to the size of a wristwatch.
For measuring the B.P., the hand is placed over the heart, and tapping the touchscreen of the watch activates the band. The band starts inflating and displays the B.P. reading in 30 sec. The display is color-coded–green if it is within a normal range and yellow/red if high.
It can be programmed to take blood pressure reading during sleep– a particularly helpful feature as blood pressure readings are most accurate while we sleep.
The Heartguide can also track the heart rate, daily activity, calories burned, and patterns and quality of sleep. Over time if the physical activity is short of daily routine, a reminder is sent.
The Heartguide can also track the heart rate, daily activity, calories burned, and patterns and quality of sleep. Over time if the physical activity is short of daily routine, a reminder is sent.
The watch comes with a 1 Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery, that can last up to 48 hours after being fully charged. The battery lasts for 500 cycles when B.P. is measured eight times/day.
Heart conditions are widespread with nearly 40 million people in the US whose blood pressure is uncontrolled. The Heartguide will change the way heart health is monitored and will be a crucial player in support of Omron mission “Going for Zero mission” to eliminate heart attack and stroke.
The Heartguide will be available at retail on January 9, 2019. The device is currently available for preorder for $499.
Omron has a few heart monitoring devices in their pipeline, such as a blood pressure monitor and ECG combo device intended for use in the home.
Here is a promo video of Omron’s Heartguide
