U.S statistics for hypertension are daunting. According to a 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, one third of all adults age 20 and above have high blood pressure. The CDC also reported 9.5 deaths per 100,000 population from essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease. We have written about many personal blood pressure devices and studies, including Omron’s Evolv wireless hypertension monitor, BeWell Connect’s MyTensio units, and a study by the American Medical Group Foundation (AMGF) that showed telehealth programs help patients lower their blood pressure.
You’d think the market for blood pressure measurement devices was covered, but Koogeek discovered a new niche: a wireless blood pressure monitor that stores and transmits data for up to 16 different users. The BP2 Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is CE, FCC, and FDA approved, according to Koogeek. The monitor uses Bluetooth 4.0 or Wi-Fi to transmit readings to an iOS or Android smartphone. Once transmitted, all data is stored in a cloud managed by Koogeek. It’s also compatible with Apple Health. The monitor reports blood pressure and pulse rate in a large font on an LCD screen attached directly to the armband, so no additional tubes or wires are required. If desired, the monitor will take up to five consecutive measurements and report the average. The BP2 is powered by a 400mAh Lithium-ion battery good for at least 50 readings per charge. Recharging is via a micro-USB port.
People who live alone wouldn’t benefit from the BP2’s 16 user capacity, but the LCD panel on the armband is convenient and the automatic consecutive reading and averaging feature answers a common user concern about getting an accurate reading.
