Artificial Intelligence aids Apple in discovering a novel blood pressure alert function for their Watch.
Apple has made a significant stride in health technology, with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting approval for a new feature on the Apple Watch. This feature will notify users if they may have high blood pressure.
The development was revealed by Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple's vice president of health. Apple used AI to analyse data from 100,000 participants in a heart and movement study. The aim was to find features in the watch's main heart-related sensor that could match with traditional blood pressure measurements.
Ami Bhatt, the chief innovation officer of the American College of Cardiology, stated that Apple appears to have been careful to avoid false positives that might alarm users. However, Bhatt also emphasized that the new feature is no substitute for traditional measurements and professional diagnosis.
The high blood pressure notification feature does not measure blood pressure directly, but notifies users that they may have high blood pressure. Users are encouraged to use a cuff to measure their blood pressure and consult a doctor after receiving the notification.
The algorithm for this feature was developed after multiple layers of machine learning, and was validated with a specific study involving 2,000 participants. High blood pressure affects over 1 billion people globally, with half of the adults with it going undiagnosed. Early detection through technologies like this could help reduce related conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
The feature will be available on Apple Watch Series 11 and models back to Series 9. With the FDA's approval, the feature can launch in 150 countries, including the USA, Hong Kong, and the European Union.
However, it's important to note that the standard method for measuring blood pressure, a sphygmomanometer, is something many people only encounter at a doctor's office. Therefore, while this feature may provide a useful tool for monitoring health, it should not replace regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.
Moreover, Bhatt warned about the risk of false reassurance for those who do not receive an alert and may wrongly assume they do not have hypertension. It's crucial to remember that the feature is a tool to aid in health monitoring, not a definitive diagnosis.
In related news, Pakistanis looking to buy new iPhones are warned against counterfeit websites. This fact is not related to the high blood pressure notification feature.
Apple had been interested in identifying high blood pressure for years, and this development marks a significant step forward in their commitment to health technology.
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