What is a blood pressure wearable
and are they worth using?

Updated July 2026 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Associate Professor Mark Butlin, Head of the Blood Pressure and Arterial Function Laboratory, Macquarie University
Words by Sabrina Rogers

Key takeaways

• Some smartwatches and other wearable devices can now track blood pressure.
• A blood pressure wearable can help raise awareness of hypertension (high blood pressure), but accuracy varies.
• High readings should be confirmed with a validated blood pressure monitor cuff taken by your GP.
• Learning how to read blood pressure correctly at home can help you monitor changes and support conversations with your GP.
• Regular high readings are a sign it’s time to see a medical professional about your blood pressure.

Blood pressure wearables are booming, but are they accurate? Here’s how to interpret readings and when to see your GP.

A 2023 study estimates 36% of Aussies own smart wrist wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers, making it increasingly common to monitor health metrics like step count, physical activity, heart rate and sleep quality.

Now, several major wearables offer blood pressure tracking features that can help users detect hypertension, also known as high blood pressure – a primary risk factor for heart disease that often goes unnoticed due to its lack of obvious signs and symptoms.

A blood pressure wearable can help you identify issues and intervene early, but it’s important to understand how it works and what to do if you get an alert indicating your blood pressure is high.

How accurate are blood pressure wearables?

“About two-thirds of people with hypertension don't know they have it,” says Associate Professor Mark Butlin, Head of the Blood Pressure and Arterial Function Laboratory at Macquarie University. “So, the positive thing about wearables that detect hypertension is they’re raising awareness and encouraging people to pay attention to their blood pressure.”

But when it comes to wearable blood pressure accuracy, Assoc Prof Butlin notes that even blood pressure monitoring cuffs only provide an estimate.

“You have to be in direct contact with the blood in the artery to measure pressure,” he explains. “A cuff provides a very good indication of blood pressure, but it’s not a direct measurement. Multiple cuff measurements taken over time will provide a more accurate picture than a single reading.”

With a blood pressure wearable, you have to input a blood pressure measurement as a starting point.

“You can either measure your blood pressure with a cuff and input it manually, or some wearables come with a cuff-based blood pressure monitor that automatically communicates with and calibrates your wearable device,” says Assoc Prof Butlin. “Either way, that measurement will provide your wearable with a reference point to monitor changes in your blood pressure over time.”

Your blood pressure wearable won’t provide exact blood pressure readings, but it may alert you to potentially high blood pressure – in which case it's important to follow up with your GP.

While some wearable brands have been approved for blood pressure and heart health monitoring by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Assoc Prof Butlin explains that doesn’t mean they’re clinically accurate. They’ve simply been approved as consumer health devices designed to support general health tracking and awareness.

How to read blood pressure at home to confirm wearable alerts

If your wearable alerts you to a possible blood pressure issue, you should confirm it with a validated, cuff-based blood pressure monitor and see your GP.

“Cuff-based devices are relatively cheap these days and many validated models are available at the chemist, so it may be worth buying one,” says Assoc Prof Butlin.

Following a consistent process at home can help improve accuracy and give your GP a clearer picture of your blood pressure over time. The Heart Foundation provides advice for measuring your blood pressure at home, along with a blood pressure diary to help you track your results.

Healthy blood pressure varies from person to person, depending on a range of factors like your age and overall health. As a general guide, optimal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, but for most people a healthy or ‘normal’ blood pressure reading is under 130/85 mmHg.

For a complete chart of blood pressure ranges, see this guide.

When to see a GP about your blood pressure

“If you're getting regular high measurements from a cuff-based blood pressure monitor, that's a good indication you should see your GP,” says Assoc Prof Butlin.

“Of course, you can make an appointment with a GP to have your blood pressure checked any time. If you have any concerns, it’s best to set your mind at ease by seeing a medical professional.”

Adults over 18 should have their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least every two years.

Many pharmacies also offer blood pressure checks, which can be a convenient way to monitor your readings between GP visits or if you’re concerned about a recent result.

How HCF members can manage their heart health

Blood pressure wearables can be a helpful tool for early detection, but they shouldn’t replace regular medical care. Eligible HCF members can access a range of services and programs designed to support heart health and help you better understand your risk factors.

• HCF Heart and Diabetes Health Check: This check^*, delivered by Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute at no extra cost, includes blood pressure, cholesterol and average blood sugar testing, as well as instant personalised advice and recommendations to support your heart health. The check is available at selected locations and dates^*.
• The COACH Program^®: This phone-coaching support program is provided at no extra cost for eligible members^{^} with heart conditions or diabetes, to guide them to manage their health alongside their doctor's plan.
• GP2U: While it’s generally best to see your GP face to face if you’re concerned about your blood pressure or heart health, this can be challenging if you live in rural and remote areas or have limited access to healthcare. HCF has partnered with GP2U to give eligible members⁺ access to telehealth appointments, including a standard GP consultation (up to 10 minutes) for a fee of $50. Eligible rural and remote members^# can access an annual 15-minute online GP consultation with GP2U, at no cost.
• HCF Healthful app: Use this app to track exercise and other health goals, connect compatible wearable devices, sync activity data and monitor your progress over time^**.

Book your heart health check

Want a clearer picture of your heart health beyond the readings you get from your smart device? Eligible members 18 years and older can get an HCF Heart and Diabetes Health Check at no extra cost, delivered by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, at selected locations and dates^*. It only takes 10 minutes and you can get your results right away.