Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,881,307) for “devices and systems for correcting errors in blood pressure measurements.” The goal is to make the Apple Watch an effective blood pressure measuring tool.
In the patent filing, Apple notes that elevated blood pressure (a.k.a. hypertension) is an indicator for potential health issues. As a result, blood pressure measurement is a routine test in many medical examinations.
Blood pressure measurements from relatively large and bulky oscillimetry cuffs (e.g., 5 cm or more in width) have minimal error in the blood pressure measurement. Apple says that while such blood pressure measurement devices may be adequate for special cases, more convenient blood pressure monitoring may be desirable. T
he tech giant adds that more convenient blood pressure monitoring may increase the adoption of non-clinical measurements and monitoring of blood pressure by common consumers, thereby decreasing risks associated with delayed detection of hypertension. And what could be more convenient than measuring blood pressure than a wrist-worn device such as the Apple Watch?
Heres the summary of the patent: “The present disclosure generally relate s to blood pressure monitoring. In some embodiments, methods and devices for measuring a mean arterial pressure and/or for monitoring blood pressure changes of a user are provided. Blood pressure measured by one or more pressure sensors may be adjusted using one or more correction factors.
“The use of the one or more correction factors disclosed herein may allow for more compact, convenient, and/or accurate wearable blood pressure measurement devices and methods. In particular, wrist-worn devices may be provided which are less bulky than current devices and may facilitate more frequent and accurate blood pressure monitoring.”
