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With the Huawei Watch D2, the line between connected watch and health monitor is blurred. Launched in October, this new feature offers the classic functionalities of a smartwatch but adds advanced health monitoring with a new blood pressure measurement system.
Offering very precise health parameters like its competitors, the Huawei Watch D2 connected watch nevertheless stands out by offering blood pressure measurement throughout the day.
A connected watch that goes further in health monitoring
With the Watch D2Huawei is betting on combining cutting-edge technology and advanced medical monitoring in an elegant watch. The watch includes full tracking of heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and even electrocardiograms (ECG). But it stands out for its ability to measure blood pressure using an inflatable cuff integrated into the bracelet, a first for a connected watch!
Blood pressure, often measured in clinics or at home, can now be monitored continuously using this watch. How does it work? The device uses a micro-air pump to inflate a mini cuff integrated into the bracelet, allowing precise and reliable measurement in just a few seconds. This is a major asset for people suffering from heart problems or hypertension.
The essentials about hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) corresponds to an abnormal increase in blood pressure on the walls of the arteries. It is defined as:
- An increase in systolic blood pressure to 14 cmHg (140 mmHg) or more;
- Or an increase in diastolic blood pressure to 9 cmHg (90 mmHg) or more;
- That these measures be noted several times, during 3 successive consultations over a period of 3 to 6 months (in the event of very significant hypertension, the treatment is implemented within a shorter period).
Hypertension is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Most often without symptoms, it promotes heart failure or the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease but it is above all an important cardiovascular risk factor involved in the occurrence of myocardial infarction or stroke. …
According to Public Health France, there are 17 million hypertensive patients in our country, more than 6 million of whom are unaware of their illness.
According to Dr. Serge Kownator, cardiologist at the “Cœur de Lorraine” cardiovascular center in Thionville,: “The integration of a blood pressure cuff into a connected watch is an interesting technological advance. It allows more regular monitoring, essential for certain patients.“.
The benefits of continuous blood pressure measurement
Because the gold standard for taking blood pressure is not the isolated measurement during a consultation, but monitoring of blood pressure with regular measurements. European recommendations therefore recommend ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM), in particular to avoid the famous “white coat syndrome” – an increase in results due to the stress of the medical consultation. The HUAWEI WATCH D2 brings 24-hour blood pressure monitoring to your wrist. It uses a physical airbag to inflate and measure blood pressure at regular intervals, with smart reminders during the day, and sleep measurements at night. It supports measurements in multiple scenarios, including standing, sitting, or semi-recumbent positions throughout the day, as well as automatic internal measurements at night.
The system, which required more than three years of development, received certification as a medical device by European authorities. A precision that Dr. Serge Kownator was able to observe.By comparing the measurements of the watch for a few days with a standard cuff system, I noted good precision of the watch with deviations which did not exceed ± 4 to 5 mm of Hg“. He points out of course that his personal experience does not have the value of a medical study. He finally admits to having been impressed by the discretion of the measurements during the night, which did not disturb his sleep.
In addition to undetected patients, the other problem in the management of hypertension is treatment compliance. Due to lack of symptoms, medications are not always taken… In this regard, could such a simple continuous measurement improve monitoring? Questioned on the subject, Dr. Serge Kownator remains cautious: “We might think that a patient who no longer takes his treatments and directly sees his results deteriorate will be more inclined to resume his treatment… but only serious medical studies could provide proof of this.“.
An ultra-complete health companion
In addition to blood pressure monitoring, the Watch D2 offers multidimensional health monitoring with tools such as:
- Continuous heart rate via optical sensor,
- Blood oxygen levels (SpO2) to monitor oxygen saturation,
- Electrocardiograms to detect possible cardiac abnormalities,
- And even sleep monitoring to analyze the quality of your rest.
Of course, the Watch D2 isn’t just about health tracking. It remains a fully-fledged connected watch, compatible with Android and iOS, allowing you to receive notifications, calls and messages. It also includes classic fitness tracking features with over 100 training modes, built-in GPS and 5 ATM water resistance, ideal for swimmers.
The ideal connected watch for health?
Despite all these technologies, the Huawei Watch D2 remains a smartly designed connected watch. Available in two colors, its stainless steel case and 1.64-inch AMOLED screen offer perfect visibility in all conditions. In addition, its innovative bracelet remains comfortable every day. Another strong point: autonomy. The Watch D2 has a battery capable of lasting up to 7 days with moderate use (3 days for intensive use).
Priced at 399 euros, this innovation is at the top of the range in the field of connected objects. Its unique features mainly target health-conscious people, especially those with cardiac monitoring needs.