Apple Inc. is set to revolutionize personal health monitoring with the upcoming release of the Apple Watch Series 10. The tech giant is reportedly integrating new features into the next-generation smartwatch that will enable it to detect hypertension and sleep apnea, marking a significant leap in its evolving approach to healthcare.
Hypertension Detection
The Apple Watch Series 10 will reportedly include a rudimentary blood pressure sensor. This sensor will not provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements like a traditional cuff in a doctor’s office. Instead, it will detect changes and elevations in blood pressure, serving as an initial cue for potential hypertension.
The sensor is speculated to function using near-infrared spectroscopy, which calculates changes in blood pressure by observing blood flow with near-infrared light. While the detection is not yet very exact, future models could develop the capability to produce exact systolic and diastolic measurements.
The watch will also feature a blood pressure journal, enabling users to keep track of changes and spikes in their blood pressure. This feature is designed to encourage users to seek professional healthcare advice if they notice consistent elevations in their blood pressure.
Sleep Apnea Detection
In addition to hypertension detection, the Apple Watch Series 10 will also feature a system to detect sleep apnea. This feature will monitor a user’s sleeping and breathing habits, checking for common indicators such as movement, breathing rate, snoring, and heart rate.
Like the blood pressure sensor, this feature will serve as an early warning to users, encouraging them to consult a doctor if the watch detects potential sleep apnea. While the watch will not be able to monitor brain activity, a diagnostic tool used in traditional sleep studies, it will provide valuable preliminary findings that can guide further investigation.
Future Health Features
Apple’s commitment to health monitoring doesn’t stop with the Apple Watch Series 10. The company is reportedly developing a digital health coaching service that would require a monthly subscription. This service may use artificial intelligence and device data to create unique workout and eating plans for users.
Furthermore, Apple is also working on creating AirPods that serve as hearing aids and a feature to test your own hearing at home. The future of Apple products looks to include more health features, including an Apple Watch with a blood glucose monitor that warns wearers if they may become pre-diabetic.
FAQ
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times.
What is near-infrared spectroscopy?
Near-infrared spectroscopy is a spectroscopic method that uses the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It can be used in a variety of applications, including medical and physiological diagnostics and research.
What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
What is a blood glucose monitor?
A blood glucose monitor is a device that measures the concentration of glucose in the blood. It is commonly used by people with diabetes to manage their condition.
