Smartwatches and other wearable health devices can be useful for monitoring vital signs such as heart rate and, in some cases, blood pressure. However, it is important to consider certain factors when evaluating its reliability, as advanced by member of the General Nursing Council María Ángeles Gómez.
Firstly, the nursing supervisor at the Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital (Madrid) draws attention to the precision of these devices since, as she warns, “this can vary depending on the brand, model, and technology used.” In general, he assures that heart rate sensors tend to be more precise than blood pressure sensors, “which can be less reliable and more susceptible to errors.”
Furthermore, he considers that smartwatches are not intended to replace professional clinical equipment, but can be useful for monitoring and initial alerts, although he believes that they should not be used as a sole source of diagnosis: “The precision of the measurements It can be affected by factors such as device fit, physical activity, user movement, and skin temperature. “It is advisable to use these devices as a complement to other more precise ones, especially for critical health conditions.”
In summary, Gómez highlights in this sense that smartwatches can offer general guidance on our vital signs, although he remembers that for important clinical decisions “it is always better to trust certified medical devices, and the opinion of nurses.”
Here, this nurse, who is also a professor at the University of Alcalá, and director of the master’s degree in care for people on dialysis, home therapies and ultrasound of vascular access, maintains that mobile health applications “can be useful tools to monitor and manage aspects of personal health, such as physical activity, diet, sleep, and some vital signs; although it believes it is important to take into account several aspects when considering its reliability and effectiveness.
Among others, it points to the accuracy and usefulness of these health apps, as they vary considerably. «Some are based on scientific research, and developed with the participation of health professionals; while others may lack clinical validation. It is crucial to ensure that the app has clear policies on data privacy and security. “This is especially important for apps that collect sensitive health information.”
On the other hand, Gómez maintains that applications that use phone sensors to measure parameters, such as heart rate or blood pressure, may be “less accurate” than specialized medical devices. “In addition, the interpretation of the data by the application may not always be reliable,” warns this expert from the General Nursing Council.
«As with smartwatches, health apps should be considered complementary tools. It is advisable to use them together with regular specialized consultations, and with clinical diagnostic equipment to obtain a complete and accurate view of health,” maintains this researcher from the Allprevent project, from the Center for Technological Development and Innovation of Spain, and the Carlos III Health Institute. “Always consult with health professionals before making decisions based solely on data obtained from these applications,” adds Gómez.
The tension, with caution
In the specific case of blood pressure, this nurse indicates that measurement technologies in this field “are evolving rapidly, but may not be as reliable as traditional methods in all cases,” and new ways have emerged that do not require the traditional use of inflatable bracelets.
“Some of these new devices use sensors based on photoplethysmography (PPG, the accuracy of which is still debated and that monitor changes in blood volume in the finger), pulse analysis in the finger, or even sensors that combine radar technology with advanced algorithms to measure blood pressure,” he highlights.
In fact, it recognizes that both smart watches and mobile applications that measure blood pressure use similar sensors. “However, watches have the advantage of being in continuous contact with the skin, which can provide more consistent figures. Despite this, the data should be interpreted with caution, and do not replace certified clinical devices,” he warns.
This is why this expert nurse insists that there is no clear consensus in the scientific community on the reliability of these new devices for all users, or in all situations: «Many devices are in the testing phase or have been validated only for certain user groups. “The lack of standardization and extensive clinical testing may limit its use as a sole diagnostic tool.”
With this, he issues advice to those who use these technologies that the results should always be corroborated with traditional measurement devices; especially if critical health conditions are monitored. It is also advisable to consult a health professional to interpret the results.
Of course, lastly he highlights that new blood pressure measurement technologies, especially those that do not use bracelets, offer several advantages that can be beneficial for users: “Devices without bracelets, such as smart watches and some wearable sensors , they are more comfortable and easier to use. Some allow continuous or more frequent monitoring of blood pressure. “This can be useful to detect fluctuations throughout the day and obtain a more complete profile of the user’s cardiovascular health.”
At the same time, it warns that inaccuracy in measurements can lead to incorrect diagnoses, either underestimating or overestimating the user’s blood pressure: “This can result in a false sense of security or, on the contrary, unnecessary worry; which can negatively affect the health and well-being of the user.