Fitness bracelets that measure blood pressure and heart rate can have many additional functions - from a pedometer and counting calories burned to measuring air temperature. Models usually do not provide accurate tonometric data; the error in any case will be 10-15%. But such gadgets allow you to monitor your overall well-being, adjust the intensity of physical activity and monitor changes in blood pressure.
The cost of fitness bracelets varies - from 790 to 5000 rubles on average, depending on the manufacturer, functionality and point of sale.
How does a fitness bracelet with blood pressure measurement work?
The device is equipped with touch sensors. They consist of piezoelectric elements that generate electricity when pressed. The greater the resistance of the piezo fibers, the stronger the signal. And vice versa.
The sensors measure the pulse on the wrist (the sensitivity of the sensors depends on the material of manufacture). The pulse wave presses on the piezoelements. Electronic signals appear. The software accepts them. Next, the information is processed and appears on the screen in the form that is familiar to us.
Almost all wrist gadgets display data on a display. However, there are models that lack this function. In this case, you can find out your blood pressure on your smartphone using a special application.
Top 3 devices that accurately measure blood pressure
WearFit F1 bracelet
- Accurate measurement of heart rate and blood pressure.
- Convenient body shape.
- Discharges quickly.
Prices:
Bizzaro F550
- Bright screen.
- Measurement results can be sent by mail.
- A little expensive for its functionality.
- Discharges quickly.
Prices:
FitCloud CK11S bracelet
- Fits snugly to the hand.
- The case is durable and comes in several colors.
- Affordable price.
- Synchronization with the phone is lost when the signal is lost.
- The display is unclear.
- For an accurate indicator, you need the average of several measurements.
Prices:
How to measure blood pressure on a fitness bracelet?
Manufacturers of fitness bracelets have made the process of measuring blood pressure simple and comfortable. Owners of wrist gadgets do not need to make complex calculations or master special skills. Anyone, even a child or an elderly person, can check their blood pressure using a fitness bracelet.
You can take measurements in several ways:
- Use a special application. Download the branded program for the bracelet to your smartphone or tablet in advance. Launch the application, open the “Blood Pressure” tab, use the “Measure” option. Function and section names may vary because each program is unique. However, the essence of this method is clear. Each manufacturer offers to measure blood pressure using an application, and it is very convenient. In the program you can view statistics for the day, week and month in the form of a graph.
- Use the bracelet itself. On the gadget screen, select the desired function. Scroll through the options until you reach the pressure measurement. You can simply touch the screen or control the device using buttons. Select a metering option and activate the process by touching or pressing the control button.
The sensors will read information for 20-60 seconds. After this, the system will process the signals and provide an instant result. It will be displayed on the bracelet screen or saved in the proprietary application. You can measure your blood pressure several times during the day and view the results in the evening. Some models support automatic measurement at a certain interval.
ZDK F8
An interesting option from ZDK is a bracelet with a 1.08-inch rectangular curved screen. The declared total weight is only 18 g. The standby time is as much as 480 hours, that is, up to 20 days.
The bracelet is made of stainless steel, the case is most likely also made of stainless steel (material not specified). There is vibration, Bluetooth version 4.2 LE, notification of an incoming call, all the necessary sensors, including an accelerometer, built-in heart rate monitor and blood pressure monitor.
Blood oxygen measurement is also supported.
How to correctly measure blood pressure using a fitness bracelet?
If you want to get a reliable result, follow the basic measuring rules:
- Avoid active physical activity half an hour before measuring your blood pressure;
- During measurement, press the product firmly against your wrist (the stronger the pressure on the piezoelements, the better the signal);
- Do not talk or laugh while taking readings - take a sitting position and calm down;
- Relax the hand on which you are measuring the pressure as much as possible.
You can take measurements in other conditions, for example, immediately after a run. However, make a note of when and under what circumstances the readings were taken. The fact is that the fitness bracelet displays blood pressure results in a graph. You can track how the numbers changed throughout the day, week and even month. And if you always measured your blood pressure at rest, and once after running, this case will stand out from the overall picture. And this will be noticeable on the graph.
GEOZON Sky
Inexpensive waterproof watches from GEOZON. A nice model for relatively little money with a 1.22-inch display. The strap material is silicone, although it looks unusual.
It supports notifications about an incoming call, Bluetooth version - 4.0, monitoring - sleep and physical activity, sensors used - accelerometer, built-in heart rate monitor and blood pressure monitor, that is, like its competitors.
Standby time can reach 120 hours.
How accurate is the device?
Fitness bracelets are not medical devices. Almost all manufacturers recommend using the obtained data only for informational purposes, but not for making changes in the treatment process or taking medications.
The legislation does not define the permissible error in measuring pressure. There are no official statistics on the accuracy of such devices. So the accuracy of the readings is up to the manufacturer. Some neglect this issue, while others, on the contrary, pay special attention to it. The abundance of fitness bracelets includes quite a few fairly accurate devices. Among them, for example, are products from the HerzBand and GSMIN brands.
According to unofficial statistics, the average error in blood pressure measurement is 20% with a deviation of 10-15 mmHg. Art.
Popular manufacturers and models of bracelets
The fitness bracelet is produced by many major companies. The most popular of them are the following companies:
Some of the best models include the following.
The bracelet has a pressure and pulse meter. With its help, it is possible to monitor blood pressure readings in different body positions. The device is characterized by high accuracy.
- Waterproof. You can swim and dive freely with it.
- Large battery capacity. You can safely wear the device for 3 days.
- Availability of additional functions: measurement of oxygen level, number of calories, degree of physical activity.
The sensors available in this model have increased sensitivity, so accurate results are ensured.
The powerful battery of the E26 fitness bracelet will ensure stable operation for up to 3 days
Ginzzu GZ-301
- A good fitness bracelet with many functions. The build quality is high, the case is protected from dust and water. There is no need to charge the device often; once a week is enough. The device helps in measuring blood pressure and pulse rate.
He also reminds the patient that physical activity and adherence to the drinking regime are necessary. The bracelet is quite common in Russia, so purchasing it is easy.
Microwear X3
Quite a stylish fitness bracelet that has a large touch screen. The case is made of high-quality material, so it is very strong and durable. The build quality is excellent.
The device helps with the following:
- Measures blood pressure.
- Checks heart rate.
- Counts the number of steps.
- Calculates calories burned.
- Displays notifications that come to your phone.
- Shows the weather.
- Monitors the sleep phase.
You can adjust the screen brightness and synchronize with your computer.
Microwear X3, in addition to its functions, also looks stylish
GSMIN B3
It occupies a leading position among bracelets capable of measuring blood pressure. The device helps monitor blood pressure and pulse rate. It is also equipped with a pedometer and is able to monitor sleep quality.
The device is equipped with a strap made of silicone, which does not cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. The bracelet is highly resistant to moisture penetration. Therefore, you can safely swim in the pool or wash dishes with it.
The charging capacity of the device is quite large. It needs to be charged approximately once every 4 days.
SmartBand CK11
A good fitness bracelet that has a stylish design and high accuracy in measuring blood pressure and heart rate. The device is well assembled and has a durable body, protected from dust and moisture. In addition to measuring blood pressure and pulse, the bracelet has the following options:
- Counting the number of steps.
- Determining the number of calories.
- Sleep quality monitoring.
- Notification of the need to take water.
- Tracking a person's emotional state.
The bracelet can also compile statistics of blood pressure readings and record all measurements. The device is compatible with platforms such as Android and IOS. It is enough to charge it once a week.
Thus, a fitness bracelet for measuring blood pressure and pulse is a convenient device that will become an indispensable accessory for the elderly, hypertensive patients and athletes. The device is easy to use, gives accurate readings, and has many additional functions.
How to find out the measurement error?
A tonometer will help you find out the accuracy of the fitness bracelet measurements. First, use a medical device and record the result. Then measure the pressure with a wrist gadget. Compare the readings.
When doing this experiment, follow the rules:
- Measure the pressure only on your left or right hand, preferably in the same place. Please note that the pressure is higher at the wrist than at the area just above the elbow.
- Do not change your position after measuring with a tonometer. Every movement (even laughter and loud speech) affects the state of the circulatory system and blood pressure.
- Please take into account the measurement error of the tonometer. Read the indicator in the passport of the medical device in advance.
The most accurate measurement of pressure is a mechanical tonometer equipped with a phonendoscope. But such equipment is rare and requires skills to use.
Varieties
Fitness bracelets with the ability to measure pressure are divided into two types:
- ordinary;
- with ECG function.
At the same time, the ability to take an ECG is achieved by equipping the device with a special sensor, which, among other things, increases the accuracy of the measurement and thereby makes it possible to control one’s own blood pressure. There are also models that do not have the ability to measure pressure, but are equipped with a warning function about increases and decreases in this indicator.
There are also types of devices:
- linked to a gadget;
- without being tied to a phone (for example, Xiaomi Mi Band 4).
When choosing a tracker, you must first of all focus on lifestyle, mobility, and age. So, for young athletes, a model that notifies about changes in indicators, for example, a Casio tonometer watch, will be enough. Devices with the ability to measure pressure are more suitable for sedentary people. A fitness bracelet for the elderly should be chosen as accurate as possible in order to monitor vital signs.
When choosing a fitness bracelet, you need to focus on lifestyle, mobility, age
Most often, fitness bracelet models are waterproof
Models with the ability to measure pressure will be an excellent replacement for a tonometer
What determines the accuracy of indicators?
The performance of different fitness bracelets may vary. What is the reason? Some are more accurate, others are not. What does this depend on?
- Cost and brand of the gadget;
- Compliance with the rules when measuring blood pressure;
- Quality of signal interpretation with special software;
- Degree of sensitivity of piezo fibers.
It’s not a fact that an expensive fitness bracelet will be the most accurate. Products for 5,000 and 10,000 rubles may not differ in anything except the brand. But bracelets from the budget segment are unlikely to show the exact result. Products costing 2,000 rubles are unlikely to be suitable for informative measurements. But if you need approximate rather than specific figures, you can choose the economy option.
On the market of wrist gadgets, you can easily find a model that is suitable in price, design and functionality. The number of bracelets that measure blood pressure is increasing every day. New brands are appearing and product functionality is expanding. There are decent models from different price categories. The most important thing is to find a suitable bracelet.
XRide Talkband B3
Another amazing device in our review from the 2-in-1 series. Do you know how else you can use XRide Talkband B3? As a headset for talking on the phone! The screen body is removed and can be inserted into the ear (on the back there is a special mount with a speaker). So don’t be surprised why this model costs more than many of its competitors.
Also worth noting is the bracelet - stainless steel is indicated. There is protection against water (IP67), the diagonal of the color touch display is 0.96 inches. The color of the strap at the time of writing is one.
