Best known for its smartwatches and GPS navigators, Garmin is breaking new ground in health tracking with its first smart blood pressure monitor: the BPM index.
The first thing you'll notice is that the BPM rate (opens in a new tab) is much larger than, say, a smartwatch. One likely reason for its size is that the device can fit around your bicep and provide accurate readings. While there are smartwatches that can measure blood pressure (opens in a new tab), those that do so with a cuff aren't widely available, and those that use pulse transit time "need to be calibrated regularly with a monitor." conventional home blood pressure monitor. according to Garmin. Also, Garmin notes, these devices typically can't "track systolic and diastolic blood pressure," while the BPM index can.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (opens in a new tab), systolic blood pressure refers to the blood pressure when the heart is pumping and diastolic is the pressure when the heart is at rest. Knowing both is important for heart health. Readings for both measurements appear on the OLED index display with corresponding "SYS" and "DIA" indicators so you know which number is which.
The BPM Index strap can accommodate a wide variety of arm sizes from nine to 17 inches (22 to 42 cm) in circumference. It's powered by four AAA batteries that will last nine months before they need to be replaced, according to Garmin.
FDA approved
On the software side, the BPM Index features allow for multiple users and ways to create reports. The device can be synced with the Garmin Connect mobile app (opens in a new tab) over Wi-Fi, where you can view detailed blood pressure readings, add a few notes, and view the overall history of your device. The collected data can also be viewed as a weekly, monthly or yearly report in the app.
Up to 16 different user profiles can be created for the BPM index in the Connect app. Each profile will track the readings of each person using the device. And that data can be synced with other Garmin Connect apps, so users can read their reports on their devices.
Garmin notes that the BPM index has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which may lead some to believe that it is not "FDA-cleared." Every time a new medical device hits the market, the FDA tests it to make sure it's safe. (Opens in a new tab) If something is "FDA cleared," it means the device works similar to an existing device and doesn't need special "premarket approval." “FDA-approved,” on the other hand, generally relates to drugs and anything that can have a direct impact on a person's health.
The BPM Index is available now for €149.99 (US only) from the Garmin online store (opens in a new tab).
Potential New Trend
Garmin may well be the first to capitalize on providing accurate blood pressure monitoring. As stated above, most smartwatches aren't the most accurate at measuring blood pressure, even Apple has issues with the technology, specifically accuracy. According to a report from Bloomberg (opens in a new tab), Apple wants to add the feature to Apple Watch, but it doesn't appear that will happen until 2024.
Huawei, on the other hand, seems to have made this technology work. TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff recently tested the Huawei Watch D at the IFA 2022 event where the device took his systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Be sure to check out our coverage.