Fitbit patents finger-based blood pressure monitoring device

Fitbit has announced a new idea for a wearable device to monitor blood pressure. In a recent patent filing, the company revealed a design that uses a finger instead of an arm cuff. This could make it more convenient for users. The traditional blood pressure machines use an inflatable cuff around the arm. In contrast, Fitbit's approach aims to create a smaller and more user-friendly device for measuring blood pressure at the finger. This update builds on previous patents submitted by Fitbit. The new device may include a sensor to measure heart rate and blood oxygen levels, alongside the blood pressure feature. It is also suggested that Fitbit could add sensors to monitor skin temperature. An interesting feature of this design is how it checks if the device is worn correctly. It uses an accelerometer to measure wrist position and microphones to gauge its distance from the heart. This could help ensure accurate readings. Fitbit acknowledges that some people might doubt the accuracy of a finger-based monitor compared to traditional methods. However, the company believes the convenience of this new design could make it appealing. It’s important to note that a patent does not guarantee that a product will be released. Still, the ongoing development of this idea shows Fitbit's commitment to innovation in health tech. The year 2025 may see significant changes in blood pressure monitoring, as there are rumors that Apple could introduce similar technology in its Apple Watch, using different methods to measure blood pressure.