Smart Blood Pressure Monitoring: Sleep, Train and Live Well

Traditionally, stress tests and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) systems have been used for this purpose. However, these measurements are limited to activities such as walking or running on a treadmill and riding an indoor bike, either in a medical consultation or a gym. Traditional measurement systems, with their large cuffs and monitors, do not allow their use during more varied physical activities.

In contrast, smartwatches for blood pressure measurements are highly convenient, offering ease of use with a simple interface and the ability to monitor continuously. Their lightweight design makes them portable and ideal for use anywhere, fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Additionally, they provide flexibility by being suitable for a variety of activities, not just resting or specific tests.

The advent of smartwatches with integrated sphygmomanometers (inflatable blood pressure cuffs) has revolutionized the ability to measure blood pressure reliably and conveniently in virtually any situation. This allows us to monitor blood pressure during actual physical activity, not just in simulated environments. Activities like golf, sailing, climbing, hiking, Nordic walking, or calisthenics present very different physiological demands from conventional stress tests. Thus, this innovation enables more accurate tracking of data and better adaptation of fitness regimes to ensure optimal heart health.

Real-Time Monitoring During Exercise
The use of a smartwatch sphygmomanometer like the HUAWEI WATCH D represents a significant advance in blood pressure monitoring during exercise. Its reliability, comfort, and ability to adapt to various physical activities make it a useful tool for anyone who wants to monitor their health effectively. Whether you're hiking, cycling, or engaging in more relaxed sports, you can now monitor your blood pressure in real-time, in your own time, independent of a doctor’s appointment, and gain valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.

During a recent family holiday, we all put the HUAWEI WATCH D to the test across various activities and were fascinated by its accuracy and ease of use. It seamlessly recorded our blood pressure whether we were hitting the gym, or going on the bike. For example, after a 30-minute cycling session, we noticed a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, rising from a baseline of 120/80 mmHg to around 150 mmHg, reflecting the heart’s increased effort to supply oxygen to the muscles.

What stood out was how quickly our blood pressure returned to normal after exercise. Within about 10 minutes of rest, systolic pressure dropped back to baseline, indicating a healthy cardiovascular recovery. This ability to track blood pressure before, during, and after exercise provided valuable insights into our cardiovascular health, making the HUAWEI WATCH D a powerful tool for active health management.

Natural changes in blood pressure during sleep are well-documented and closely related to overall health and cardiovascular prognosis. During sleep, blood pressure typically dips, allowing the heart and blood vessels to rest and recover from the day's activities. This nocturnal dip is crucial for cardiovascular health; a lack of significant blood pressure reduction at night, known as "non-dipping," can indicate an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

In clinical practice, blood pressure behaviour during sleep is used to assess patients' cardiovascular health. For instance, patterns such as "dipping," "non-dipping," and "rising" blood pressure during sleep provide valuable insights into a person's cardiovascular system's state. These patterns can inform a medical professional’s decision about initiating or adjusting treatments for hypertension and other related conditions. This is supported by recent research which emphasizes the importance of these nocturnal blood pressure patterns in managing hypertension effectively.