On October 8, 2025, Apple introduced a significant update to the Apple Watch, launching a hypertension notifications feature in Canada. This innovative tool alerts users to potential signs of chronic high blood pressure, a condition affecting around 1.3 billion adults globally.
Understanding Hypertension and Its Risks
Hypertension is a critical modifiable risk factor for serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Often asymptomatic, many individuals do not recognize they have high blood pressure. Regular doctor visits may not reveal this condition due to single measurement limitations.
How the Feature Works
The hypertension notifications feature utilizes the Apple Watch’s optical heart sensor. It analyzes how blood vessels respond to heartbeats and reviews data over 30-day intervals. Users receive alerts if consistent hypertension signs are detected, offering them significant health insights.
Setting Up Notifications
To activate hypertension notifications, users can access the Health app on their iPhones. This unique feature aims to encourage users to undertake lifestyle adjustments or seek treatment, potentially preventing severe long-term health consequences.
The Canadian Context
Dr. Heather Ross, head of cardiology at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, highlighted the importance of this feature. “Around 8 million Canadians are affected by hypertension—roughly one in four,” she noted. This number is expected to rise as the population ages. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in combating hypertension, making the Apple Watch feature a transformative option in health management.
Scientific Validation
Apple’s hypertension notifications are backed by extensive scientific research. The feature was developed using advanced machine learning with data from over 100,000 study participants. Its accuracy was confirmed in a clinical trial involving more than 2,000 participants.
Impact and Recommendations
- Expected to help over 1 million people detect undiagnosed hypertension in the first year.
- Users receiving a notification should log their blood pressure with a third-party cuff.
- Results should be shared with healthcare providers at their next visits.
The Health app also includes a logging feature for users to track their measurements in line with local guidelines, facilitating better health monitoring.
Restrictions on Usage
This feature is not suitable for individuals under 22 years old, those already diagnosed with hypertension, or pregnant women. Apple emphasizes that while it can aid in awareness, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
For more information, users can reach out to Apple press contact Cortney Hughes at cortney_hughes@apple.com or call (647) 943-4562.
