Revolutionizing Hypertension Management: Continuous Monitoring and Early Detection with New Wearable Technologies

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly half of all men and women in the United States. However, many people are unaware of their condition. While the traditional method of checking blood pressure using a cuff at the doctor’s office can be useful, it may not always provide the most accurate reading. This has led to the development of new technology that offers a more precise way to monitor blood pressure.

Dr. Maria Delgado, a hypertension specialist at the University of Miami Comprehensive Hypertension Center, explains that one issue with traditional monitoring methods is “white coat syndrome,” where patients experience a spike in blood pressure due to stress when visiting the doctor. To address this issue, researchers have developed a skin patch that provides continuous monitoring of blood pressure without causing discomfort to the wearer.

The BioBeat skin patch uses sensors and light to measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure. It allows for 24-hour monitoring without the wearer even being aware that their blood pressure is being checked. The patch is particularly useful for detecting changes in blood pressure patterns, especially during sleep when traditional monitoring methods are impractical.

In addition to the BioBeat patch, researchers at UC San Diego are also working on an ultrasound patch that uses soundwaves to track blood pressure. This innovative technology offers a more convenient and accurate way to monitor blood pressure, potentially leading to earlier detection and intervention for individuals with hypertension.

Overall, these new technologies offer hope for improving hypertension management by providing more accurate and convenient ways of monitoring blood pressure levels in patients.