Samsung Galaxy Watches Gain Blood Pressure and ECG Capabilities in India

Samsung has received regulatory approval to enable two important health monitoring features on its Galaxy Watch line in India - blood pressure measurement and electrocardiogram (ECG). After approval from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, the Samsung Health Monitor app can now measure blood pressure on Galaxy Watch4, Watch5 and Watch6 models and record electrocardiograms (ECGs).

To use the new blood pressure monitoring capability, users should first calibrate their Galaxy Watch using a conventional cuff-based blood pressure monitor. The watch must be calibrated every 28 days for accurate readings. During the blood pressure measurement, users simply need to sit quietly with their watch-wearing arm resting on a table while the watch takes a reading.

Taking an ECG on the Galaxy Watch is a simpler process that does not require additional equipment. Users place a fingertip on the top button of the watch for 30 seconds while remaining still. The ECG recording appears on the watch, and users can view the results or add any symptoms they may be experiencing. ECG reports are accessible through the Samsung ECG Monitor app on a paired Samsung smartphone.

The addition of these advanced health tracking features could make Samsung's smartwatches more appealing to Indian consumers concerned about monitoring heart health. However, the blood pressure measurement still relies on initial calibration with a traditional cuff device. It remains to be seen how accurate Galaxy Watch readings will be compared to medical-grade monitors.