This Wearable Aims to Improve Your Blood Pressure. It’s Now in the US, and I Got a First Look

Key Points:

• Swiss health tech company Aktiia has launched its blood pressure monitoring system, Hilo Core, in the US, combining an FDA-cleared cuff with a wearable wristband to provide continuous blood pressure insights based on 22 years of research.
• Hilo Core uses a calibration cuff for baseline readings and a lightweight wristband with optical sensors to measure blood pressure up to 35 times daily, offering a more comprehensive picture of blood pressure fluctuations over time.
• While the cuff is FDA-cleared as a medical device in the US, the wristband is currently classified as a wellness product and not FDA-cleared, though the company aims to gain further regulatory approval for clinical use.
• Hilo has demonstrated success in Europe, with studies showing significant reductions in systolic blood pressure among consistent users, and it targets individuals with hypertension to encourage better blood pressure management.
• The system requires an annual subscription, emphasizes user data privacy by not selling health information, and is designed to complement medical advice rather than replace professional healthcare.