The Potential Benefits of Hypertension Management Watches

Abstract

Hypertension is a described as a “silent killer.” The condition is characterized by a clinically significant increase in the force that the blood exerts on the blood vessel walls and is diagnosed when a patient has a blood pressure of above 130/80 mmHg compared to a normal blood pressure of around 120/80 mmHg (Jiang et al., 2016). Hypertension is oftentimes not associated with any symptoms, allowing it to impact the health of millions of people across the world without them knowing (Jiang et al., 2016). Although an individual’s blood pressure typically rises as they grow older, hypertension can affect people of all ages and does not only impact older adults. There are many methods for measuring blood pressure and each approach has its own benefits and weaknesses. Personally, I was diagnosed with primary hypertension at a young age. Primary hypertension, sometimes referred to as essential hypertension, is defined as abnormally high blood pressure with no known cause (Lockett, 2021). As such, at an older age, my avatar will continue to manage this same health issue that I currently face. I have used many different blood pressure monitoring devices and have had issues with all of them. This lack of a suitable technology that can constantly monitor my blood pressure in an accurate, inconspicuous, and inexpensive way inspired me to investigate the potential benefits of a wearable blood pressure watch which also administers antihypertensive medication, like an insulin pump. Hypertension management watches have the potential to improve the arduous process of blood pressure control for patients while resolving current disparities in human healthcare.