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Fitness watches, not only track calories burned, steps, fitness progress, etc., but also can measure blood pressure (BP) which is the pressure of the blood in the arteries, related to the rate of your heartbeat and the elasticity of your arteries. Wearing one with a BP monitor is important to detect heart problems and get a clear picture of your heart health.
The American Heart Association, recommends anyone with high blood pressure to monitor his or her blood pressure at home. It can be measured using a sphygmomanometer which is used at the doctor’s office or a home blood pressure monitor. However, if you prefer to use a fitness watch with a BP monitor you are in the right place. So how do they measure blood pressure?
Many fitness trackers take oscillometric readings in the morning and evening. This automatic blood pressure measurement consists of an electronic pressure sensor that calculates estimates of systolic and diastolic pressures. Other fitness trackers with blood pressure monitors use a PPG or photoplethysmogram.
A PPG is a heart rate sensor that uses a pulse oximeter. This sensor illuminates the skin and measures any changes in light absorption. Besides, it also uses ECG readings that work with algorithms. However, they don’t have an inflatable cuff, and readings are not as accurate as the sphygmomanometer which is used at the doctor’s office. If you follow the user’s guide as directed, they can be accurate enough and you can familiarize yourself with the product.
These fitness trackers with blood pressure look just like a smartwatch or fitness trackers. In general, they are easy to use and the blood pressure can be measured at any time.
Table of Contents
- 1 Fitness trackers with blood pressure monitor: the pros and cons
- 2 How to measure your blood pressure using a smart bracelet
- 3 The best way to know if a fitness tracker with BP is accurate
- 4 My experience with a smart wristband that tracks blood pressure
- 5 What is the best fitness tracker with blood pressure right now?
- 6 Conclusion
Fitness trackers with blood pressure monitor: the pros and cons
A fitness tracker that has a blood pressure monitor integrated can be convenient but also has its limitations. Here are the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an educated decision:
Pros
- Measurements can take place between doctor’s visits
- You can share your health data with your doctor
- Blood pressure can be checked at any time, anywhere. Also, depending on your fitness tracker app you can measure it continuously
- Helps you manage or prevent high blood pressure or other health problems
- Keeps you motivated to take care of yourself and stay active
- Many fitness watches with blood pressure also track heart rate variability which is the body’s reaction in the time interval between heartbeats which gives you a clearer picture of your heart health.
- It is a great way to monitor your blood pressure instead of going to a doctor’s office which can make you anxious.
- Blood pressure data along with calories burnt can help you adjust your fitness plan
- They are easy to use and straightforward
- Anyone can use them from children to older people.
- You don’t have to have high blood pressure to use it. They can be a great wrist companion to help you stick to your fitness plan.
Cons
- It is not as accurate as your doctor’s sphygmomanometer which uses the arm’s blood pressure to give more accurate readings
- They need to have a good battery life to work properly
- Can be sensitive to movement
How to measure your blood pressure using a smart bracelet
Below are some tips on measuring your blood pressure using a smart fitness gadget that can help you prevent or monitor any heart problems.
Many types of wearable devices measure blood pressure. The readings obtained will vary from device to device. Here are the 15 tips to correctly measure it with a fitness tracker.
- Read the user’s manual to become familiar with your device
- Make sure your fitness tracker has good battery life.
- Avoid any caffeine, cigarettes, or physical activities before measuring your blood pressure.
- Sit down and relax all the time you need. Don’t think about anything.
- Wear your device so that it is snug.
- Your arm should be resting on a flat surface such as a table with the upper arm at heart level. This will give you a better reading. I tried resting my arm on my lap and resting my arm on my chest but the readings athe re higher.
- You can measure your blood pressure two times more and compare the results.
- Check your results. If your blood pressure is less than 90/60 that can be low blood pressure. From 91/61 to 119/79 is normal. 120/80 or less to 129/80 or less is considered elevated. From 130/80-89 to 139/80-89 is high blood pressure stage 1. From 140 or higher is high blood pressure stage 2. Blood pressure higher than 180/higher than 120 is considered a hypertensive crisis. In this case, it is recommended to go to the doctor.
- Depending on your fitness tracker and application you can either check your blood pressure one time or continuously.
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The best way to know if a fitness tracker with BP is accurate
Do you want to know if your smartwatch with the blood pressure tracker is accurate enough? The best way to check if your device is accurate is to bring it to the doctor’s office. Measure your blood pressure with your fitness watch and compare your doctors’ readings. However, because blood pressure is not an absolute number results may be approximate or close enough.
However, keep in mind that blood pressure changes during the day depending on the weather, food that you eat, genetics, age, weight, mood, medication, physical activity, stress levels, and alcohol. Blood pressure can be lower at night and will rise before you wake up. It will continue to rise during the day picking up in the afternoon.
When you measure your blood pressure either at the doctor’s office or with a fitness tracker we are looking for any changes or patterns. You may discover that eating certain foods or doing specific physical activity may increase or decrease your blood pressure.
My experience with a smart wristband that tracks blood pressure
Wearing a fitness watch with blood pressure like the Onston fitness tracker (currently unavailable) for almost a year has transformed my life. Experiencing panic attacks in the past and having a high blood pressure history in my family I always knew the importance of monitoring my blood pressure. It has a quite low rating but it has worked for me plus it is worth the price.
I compared my wearable fitness readings with a Samsung Healthy Living BD-3000S BP monitor (discontinued) that I had since 2003 and that I had already shown to my doctor. Readings also matched my doctor’s. Please note that Samsung’s blood pressure monitor is currently unavailable – Samsung Healthy Living closed in 2009.
What is the best fitness tracker with blood pressure right now?
These fitness watches with BP monitors can be a tool for those who want to keep track of their heart health and fitness progress. The names may not be familiar to you but they are popular, especially on Amazon.
Better-known companies such as Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple still have not launched fitness trackers with blood pressure at this time.
We can recommend the following fitness trackers with BP monitors that can be great health and fitness companions for any lifestyle, needs, and fitness goals:
YHE BP Doctor Pro
If you are looking for a smartwatch that can monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, sleep, and sports activities, you might want to check out the YHE BP Doctor Pro. According to the manufacturer, “It uses an oscillometric measurement which is the only industrial recognized method among medical institutions” and a patented air cuff inflatable design.
You can also sync it with the app for Android and iPhone to track your health data and get personalized insights. The YHE BP Doctor Pro is not only a health device, but also a stylish smartwatch that can display notifications, weather, music control, and more.
Whether you want to keep an eye on your blood pressure, improve your fitness, or just enjoy a smart accessory, the YHE BP Doctor Pro can be a great choice for you. You can find this stylish fitness watch with blood pressure on Amazon.
FITVII Slim Fitness Tracker
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that can monitor your blood pressure, you might want to check out the FITVII Slim Fitness Tracker from Amaz0n. This device is designed to be sleek and lightweight, so you can wear it comfortably all day.
It can measure your heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, sleep quality, and calories burned. It also has a smart notification feature that lets you receive calls, messages, and social media alerts on your wrist.
The FITVII Slim Fitness Tracker is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and it has a long battery life of up to 10 days. You can choose from different colors and styles to suit your preferences.
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Conclusion
A smart bracelet that measures your blood pressure can be more useful than you can imagine. It will help you prevent or manage high blood pressure. It also gives you a clear picture of your heart health. Also, knowing your blood pressure numbers will help you stay motivated to work out and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Unlike years ago, you can obtain this valuable piece of information at any time. And more importantly, it can even save your life. The fitness technology market, not only is improving the functionality of fitness wearables but also is changing people’s mentality about health. Nowadays, you don’t have to wait to see the doctor, but also you can make adjustments to your lifestyle based on your readings and share this piece of information with your physician.
B.L.A is a webmaster, content creator, and blogger who loves fitness watches and working out.
After many attempts to stick to a fitness plan, she found inspiration in fitness wearables which has helped her remain active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She is committed to encouraging individuals who need help with their motivation.
When she isn’t researching fitness technology market trends and writing, you might find Brenda cooking delicious meals, connecting with nature, growing veggies, reading about technology, and enjoying life with her husband C. A.
Check out her other blog Breathe Out Panic Attack.