Affecting millions globally, hypertension, also known as the “silent killer,” lurks beneath the cardiovascular system and often goes undetected. This increases the risk of cardiac arrests and even kidney failures. Combating this silent killer may seem daunting, but the key to effective management lies in just two actions: constant monitoring of blood pressure and stringently following a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medicines, a proper diet and exercise plan, and diagnostic tests involving the heart.
Earlier, cardiologists had limited options for assessing their patients’ blood pressure and curating a comprehensive treatment plan accordingly. But now, the tide is turning—all thanks to technological advancements! Today, when it comes to helping patients with hypertension management, you, as a cardiologist, can effortlessly do it with the help of blood pressure monitor apps and wearables.
Keep reading to learn more about hypertension management technologies and how to use them to empower your patients.
THE RISE OF BP MONITORING APPS & WEARABLES
According to a 2017 report by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), the prevalence of hypertension would rise drastically, affecting 1.56 million people by 2025 (a 60 percent spike). If you check the current statistics (1.28 million adults, 2024), you will realize the report was a prophecy.
In light of these stats, there’s a growing need for effective hypertension management strategies. This is where blood pressure monitor apps and wearables come into play. They offer promising solutions to cardiologists and patients, providing continuous monitoring outside traditional healthcare settings.
BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR APPS AND WEARABLES – TOP PICKS!
While numerous BP monitoring apps and wearables are available in the market, we have shortlisted three that stood out this year in terms of performance, accuracy, and ease of use.
Take a look:
1. BPM Core by Withings: Blood pressure monitoring at home is so easy now! Thanks to Withings for coming up with BPM Core – the only blood pressure monitor in the market that, along with monitoring BP, performs an electrocardiogram. This wearable device combines a blood pressure monitor with an ECG and a digital stethoscope, helping users get comprehensive cardiovascular health insights.
Along with purchasing this wearable device, you can suggest that your patients with hypertension download the Withings Health Mate App (compatible with Android and iOS), which keeps track of their overall day-to-day activities and health.
2. Omron HeartGuide: Known as the first FDA-approved wearable blood pressure monitor, Omron HeartGuide looks just like any other digital wristwatch. But when it comes to data accuracy, it is spot on! To obtain results, all you have to do is download the HeartGuide app. That’s it!
3. QardioArm: Compact and portable, this smartphone-connected blood pressure monitor is ideal for individuals who travel often (mostly due to job requirements) or prefer blood pressure monitoring at home.
Apart from being portable, there are multiple other USPs that have helped this wearable device rise to prominence:
- It can detect irregular/abnormal heartbeat.
- It supports multiple users.
- It enables easy data sharing.
- It interprets results accurately.
Now that you are aware of the top 3 wearable devices and apps, why wait? Start prescribing any of these alongside regular medicines to help patients monitor their BP for hypertension management.
DOES HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY REALLY WORK?
The answer is yes, it does. The Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) recently published a study on individuals using smartphone apps and wearable technology to monitor blood pressure. It revealed that individuals using blood pressure monitor apps and wearables experienced a significant reduction in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels compared to those who received standard care once in a while.
Please note: A report by Grand View Research also revealed that the global market for apps and wearable blood pressure monitors is expected to reach the $8.9 billion mark by next year. We believe this prediction is also valid as physicians are increasingly raising awareness of preventive healthcare practices these days.
GO WITH THE FLOW OF THE TELEHEALTH REVOLUTION!
Why use traditional methods when the telehealth revolution has brought marvelous creations like blood pressure monitor apps and wearables? This World Hypertension Day, MDForLives urges every Cardiologist to embrace this wave of change and help patients with hypertension management.
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REFERENCES:
Hypertension
www.who.int
Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Omron HeartGuide
www.omronhealthcare.com
BPM Core – Withings
www.withings.com
Qardioarms
www.tore.qardio.com
The creative force behind the keyboard, Pallabi crafts narratives of healthcare wonders and research marvels. As a seasoned professional blogger, she ventures to unearth the riches of medical innovation, weaving them into insightful stories that educate.
