Apple Watch will now alert you to hypertension (high blood pressure) based on 30 days of data. Since watchOS 26 was released on September 15, 2025, the first people are likely recieving hypertension notifications now.
I worked on one of the first studies to detect hypertension with Apple Watch. Today at Empirical Health, we help many patients reduce their blood pressure and overall risk of heart disease.
If you receive a hypertension notification, you need speak with a doctor, consider medications, and make dietary changes to reduce blood pressure. Read on for information about each of these steps.
Apple Watch can notify you of potiential hypertension, but doesn’t diagnose
An example of a hypertension notification on Apple Watch
Apple Watch models analyzes heart rate signals associated with high blood pressure. Its algorithms are FDA-cleared as a screening tool, but not intended to diagnose or treat hypertension. Apple says this in its own documentation: “The feature is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis, to monitor hypertension treatment effect, or to be used as a method of blood pressure surveillance.”
How accurate are Apple Watch hypertension notifications?
Apple Watch’s blood pressure feature catches 41.2% of hypertension. For people with stage II hypertension, the algorithm does a bit better, catching 53% of cases. The specificity of the algorithm was high at 92.3%. What this means is that if you do get a notification, you should talk with a doctor. But if you don’t get a hypertensio notification, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. The Apple Watch algorithm misses half of cases, so everybody should continue to check their blood pressure with a cuff.
If you’re curious about how hypertension notifications work under the hood, our explainer of Apple Watch’s blood pressure technology dives into the science. For a broader view, STAT News recently covered the public health implications.
If you receive a blood pressure alert, only a doctor can diagnose you
A blood pressure cuff. Many blood pressure cuffs pair with your iPhone.
Since Apple Watch is a screening device, a doctor needs to make the diagnosis. A doctor will typically use a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer), ask you to take multiple readings over different days, and then discuss options for medication and diet.
What high blood pressure means for your risk of heart disease
If you have hypertension, it’s important to treat it to lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure damages blood vessels silently.
You can calculate your risk of a heart attack with blood pressure and the following biomarkers:
- ApoB or LDL cholesterol
- HbA1c - measures insulin resistance or diabetes.
- eGFR - measures kidney function
- Age, sex, whether you’ve smoked and how much, and a basic medical history.
- Some advanced markers like Lp(a) and hs-CRP can refine your risk estimate.
A comprehensive blood test includes all of these for <$200.
Treatments for hypertension
The good news is that if you’re diagnosed with hypertension, you can use both diet and medication to drive down your blood pressure.
The DASH diet: lower sodium and boost potassium to reduce blood pressure
Diet plays a powerful role in blood pressure, particularly sodium and potassium intake. Sodium raises blood pressure, and potassium (through diet) lowers it. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) emphasizes potassium-rich foods (bananas, sweet potatoes, greens, avocado) and limits sodium to roughly 1,500-2,300 mg per day.
Empirical Health lets you snap a photo to track the amount of potassium, sodium, and other nutrients you’re getting in your food. This is helpful also if you happen to have high cholesterol, which is driven by fiber and sodium. Empirical also integrates with all of your Apple Watch metrics.
Note that you should check with a doctor before starting any diet plan. Certain health conditions (such as kidney disease) and medications can interact with potassium in your diet.
Tracking foods that raise or lower blood pressure in Empirical Health.
Medications for hypertension
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough—or if your blood pressure is high enough to pose immediate risks—doctors may prescribe medication. There are many classes, from thiazide diuretics to ACE inhibitors to calcium channel blockers. Choice of medication depends on your health profile and preferences.
What should you do if you get an Apple Watch hypertension alert?
If you receive an Apple Watch hypertension alert, don’t ignore it—but don’t panic either. Measure your blood pressure with a cuff (either at home, in a pharmacy, or at a clinic), and make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your readings and next steps. It’s also important to consider lifestyle adjustments, such as following a biomarker-driven nutrition plan and tracking your food intake. If your doctor prescribes medication, be sure to take it as recommended.
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