Key Takeaways
1. Fitbit has filed a new patent for a finger-mounted blood pressure monitor with innovative dual-sensor technology.
2. The device is designed to be compact and more comfortable than traditional blood pressure cuffs.
3. It may include a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor to track heart rate and SpO2 levels.
4. The device features an inflatable component that could improve the accuracy of blood pressure readings.
5. The American Heart Association recommends cuff-style devices for blood pressure monitoring, noting that finger monitors are generally less reliable.
Another patent associated with a Fitbit blood pressure finger monitor has shown up at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The company has made several applications in recent years regarding devices for tracking blood pressure, including a recent filing for innovative dual-sensor technology. However, new documents provide further insights about this potential gadget.
Compact and Comfortable Design
Patent number 12,251,205 B2 expands on previous records, presenting images of a wearable device for the finger. Fitbit claims that this finger-mounted device would be smaller and more comfortable compared to traditional blood pressure cuffs. This product might include a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor, enabling it to assess heart rate and SpO2 levels.
Enhanced Measurement Accuracy
Regarding blood pressure readings, there is reportedly an inflatable component similar to those found in conventional cuff-style devices, which can be pressurized dynamically. By altering the pressure and consequently the blood flow, the patent suggests that the precision of blood pressure readings is improved. Nevertheless, at this point, there is no evidence to support this claim or to compare it with standard blood pressure cuffs.
The American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommends using a cuff-style device for monitoring blood pressure from the upper arm; one example is the Withings BPM Connect (curr. $84.99 at Amazon). The organization indicates that finger monitors tend to be less dependable. It is still uncertain whether a Fitbit device focused on blood pressure monitoring will be released.
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