Apple Watch Flags Hidden Hypertension

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Millions of Americans live with chronic high blood pressure and don’t realize it, often because the condition shows few noticeable symptoms. 

Now, a new Apple Watch feature could help bring those hidden risks to light.

Apple’s latest software update introduces a health metric that analyzes heart-rate data collected over time to detect patterns associated with hypertension. 

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, making early detection critical.

According to Apple, the feature is expected to notify more than one million people with previously undiagnosed hypertension within its first year. 

Health experts say wearable technology like this can play a key role in raising awareness and prompting users to take action.

Doctors emphasize the feature is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace regular blood pressure screenings. 

Instead, it serves as an early warning system, encouraging users to consult a medical professional if concerning patterns appear.

As wearable technology continues to evolve, experts say tools like this empower people to become more engaged in their own health, potentially catching silent conditions before they lead to serious complications.