'Cuffless' blood pressure measurement technologies like your smartwatch aren't accurate

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-04-24 01:00

Australia; International; NSW

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International scientists, including an Australian, say 'cuffless' blood pressure measurement devices are not accurate enough to replace older cuff-based measuring devices. 'Cuffless' devices include smartwatches, smartphones that measure blood pressure based on face or finger scans, smart rings, ultrasound chest patches, smart glasses, and even a blood pressure-measuring toilet seat, they say. But their review of the existing evidence found the devices are not accurate enough to prevent over- or underdiagnosis of high blood pressure. They also identified issues around equitable access to these new technologies in poorer countries and among minorities, while data privacy is another concern. It also remains unclear how such devices would be deployed in clinical practice, they say. Doctors and patients should continue to use cuffed devices for now, the experts conclude.