The Apple Watch Series 11 introduced Hypertension alerts, delivered when the watch sees signs of high blood pressure, and that feature may be heading to Google’s Pixel Watch too.
According to 9to5Google, the latest version of the Fitbit app features an explanation of an upcoming Fitbit Hypertension Study.
Fitbit holds large-scale studies frequently, but this one could have a much greater impact on ongoing Pixel Watch features than its previous ones.
The Fitbit Hypertension Study’s goal is to “advance research for hypertension screening with the Pixel Watch,” suggesting the study itself is effectively a beta test for blood pressure alerts using the watch.
Assuming the study does get off the ground, it will include everyday U.S. Pixel Watch owners, and some of them will be asked to wear a more conventional blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. This will of course let the Fitbit team compare the readings from the watch with those of a, presumably, blood pressure cuff.
The app suggests these folks will be compensated $50 for their time.
A few of the other study notes suggest at how blood pressure monitoring may eventually work on Pixel Watch. It will use data collected throughout the day, rather than requiring the user to take time out of their day for dedicated readings.
How Apple’s Hypertension Alerts Work
This move mirrors what Apple did ahead of the release of Hypertension alerts on Apple Watch Series 11.
“The algorithm was developed using a large dataset from a diverse group of adults who participated in studies conducted or sponsored by Apple. The feature was then validated in a pivotal study to support regulatory submissions around the world,” Apple detailed in its paper on the feature.
The study used to help develop the Hypertension algorithm had “more than 100,000 participants,” offering some guide as to how big the Fitbit Hypertension Study is likely to be. Apple, of course, has a larger potential cohort, as the Apple Watch series has comfortably outsold the Pixel Watch family.
There is an argument Apple was late to the party with its Hypertension blood pressure indicators, as Samsung has had a comparable feature since 2020. The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3 gained blood pressure readings back then. However, where Samsung required, and continues to require, semi-regular calibration readings using a blood pressure cuff, Apple does not.
It also does not show a concrete blood pressure reading, though. “It does not require calibration, it does not measure blood pressure directly, and does not surface a blood pressure reading to users,” says Apple.
Instead, it alerts the wearer to signs of possible hypertension, based on a 30-day pattern of readings. And that alone should be enough to alert people of potential underlying issues, making it crucially worthwhile.
One potential future road for Google’s wearable blood pressure features is a blend of the Samsung and Apple techniques. Apple’s approachable style is ideal for those who do not have any diagnosed blood pressure issues, while Samsung’s can be useful for those who want a more direct indication of their current state in order to manage an existing condition.
