‘Wristwatch’ set to transform century-old blood pressure device

The device provides a much more accurate reading than the traditional arm cuff alone.

It is hoped the technology, funded by the Department of Health and backed by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, will change the way blood pressure has been monitored for more than a century.

The new device measures pressure in the largest artery in the body, the aorta.

By taking a much more accurate reading from the aorta, doctors can work out appropriate treatment for conditions such as stroke and heart disease.

The device has been invented by scientists at the University of Leicester and in Singapore.

A sensor in the watch records the pulse wave of the artery, which is then fed into a computer together with a traditional blood pressure reading from a cuff.

Professor Bryan Williams, from the University of Leicester’s department of cardiovascular sciences at Glenfield Hospital, said he expected the technology to be in use shortly.

“Some patients have high pressure in the arm but their aortic pressure is completely normal. We believe these patients don’t need to be treated as their aortic pressure is not causing risk.

“Unless we measure the pressure in the aorta we are not getting an appreciation of the risks or benefits of treatment.”

Prof Williams said it was important to ensure the new device was as small as possible to encourage clinicians and patients to use it. He added: “I am under no illusion about the magnitude of the change this technique will bring about.

“It has been a fabulous scientific adventure to get to this point and it will change the way blood pressure has been monitored for more than a century.”

The research work was funded by the Department of Health’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

The NIHR has invested £3.4m with a further £2.2m of funding from the Department of Health to establish a research unit at Glenfield Hospital.

The Health Secretary said: “This is a great example of how research breakthroughs and innovation can make a real difference to patients’ lives.”