Fitbit develops a compact gadget for measuring blood pressure on the finger (photo)
Fitbit has filed a new patent for a blood pressure measurement device that uses sensors placed on the finger. This could be a convenient alternative to traditional blood pressure cuffs.
Here's What We Know
This patent, registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), complements several previous documents describing similar devices. The patent contains details and sketches of a potential product, and the company claims that such a finger pressure measurement system will be more comfortable than traditional cuffs and will be able to provide accurate measurements.
Fitbit patent. Illustration: USPTO
The documents describe a compact device equipped with a sensor for measuring heart rate and blood oxygen level (SpO2).
The device has an inflatable element that allows for pressure adjustment, as in traditional blood pressure cuffs. By adjusting the pressure, and thus the blood flow, the accuracy of blood pressure measurement increases.
However, there is currently no accurate data to compare this device with cuffs used in classical blood pressure measurements.
Patent for the compact Fitbit gadget for measuring blood pressure. Illustration: USPTO
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends using shoulder cuffs for accurate measurements, and considers finger pressure devices to be less reliable. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether this product will become available on the market, although Fitbit is actively working on improving health monitoring gadgets.
Source: USPTO
