How to Enable Apple Watch’s New Hypertension Alert Feature

What Is Apple’s New Hypertension Alert Feature?: Apple Watch’s Hypertension Notifications analyse long-term heart-rate patterns to screen for possible high blood pressure. Instead of giving BP readings, the feature flags trends that may indicate hypertension risk. It works silently in the background and sends alerts only if consistent elevated patterns are detected over several weeks.

Eligibility and Device Requirements: To use the feature, you must be 22 or older, and have no prior hypertension diagnosis. Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, or newer is required with watchOS 26. Your paired iPhone must run iOS 26. Wrist Detection must remain enabled for accurate readings. 

Preparing Your Devices: Begin by updating your iPhone to iOS 26 and Apple Watch to watchOS 26. Confirm Bluetooth, Wrist Detection, and Health permissions are active. Ensure the watch fits snugly for optimal sensor performance. These steps guarantee accurate long-term analysis and enable smooth activation of Hypertension Notifications. 

How to Enable the Feature in the Health App: Open the Health app on your iPhone and tap your profile icon. Go to Health Checklist, select Hypertension Notifications, and follow the prompts. Confirm your age and medical eligibility, read the feature explanation, and tap Turn On to activate continuous monitoring on your Apple Watch.

How the Feature Works After Activation: Your Apple Watch collects data passively for about 30 days, analysing heart-rate patterns linked to long-term blood pressure trends. It does not provide BP numbers but identifies sustained elevation indicators. If the algorithm detects hypertension-like patterns, you’ll receive a notification recommending further self-measurement and medical review.

 What to Do If You Receive an Alert: An alert doesn’t confirm hypertension but signals that your data shows risk. Measure your BP using a cuff-based monitor for at least seven days. Record readings in the Health app and consult a doctor with your data. Early detection enables timely lifestyle changes and clinical intervention.

Key Precautions and Limitations: Hypertension Notifications are a screening tool, not a diagnostic feature. Not receiving alerts doesn’t guarantee normal blood pressure. Users with medical conditions or caregivers should continue regular BP checks. Use the feature as an additional health insight, combining Apple Watch signals with verified medical measurements for informed decisions.

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