Huawei Watch D3: blood pressure is measured on the wrist. And the smartwatch is now available in pharmacies

The Watch D3 is the best attempt yet to fit a proper blood pressure monitor on the wrist.

Its main feature is blood pressure measurement. It does not estimate blood pressure using optical sensors: an inflatable cuff, complete with a micro-pump and a pressure sensor, is integrated into the strap. The device bears the CE marking required by the European Medical Devices Regulation (MDR). However, it does not have FDA approval and is not available for sale in the United States.

In Italia, Huawei explains, five of its features are registered as medical devices, including those for ECG, atrial fibrillation detection and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. The company also claims that the purchase is tax-deductible.

Compared to the D2, the Watch D3 is slimmer: the case measures 11.3 millimetres at its thinnest point. It features a brighter 1.92-inch AMOLED screen, includes blood pressure measurement before and after physical activity, and enables overnight monitoring with a virtually silent pump. The Health Glance function collects up to 11 parameters and provides a summary in around one minute.

The D3, released this month, has yet to undergo published independent clinical validation. Studies on previous models cannot be automatically applied to the new watch. Under controlled conditions, with the person seated and their wrist at heart level, the average error detected is small; in everyday use and in patients with high blood pressure, the results may vary more widely. It is therefore prudent to use the measurements to monitor blood pressure trends in consultation with your doctor, without basing a diagnosis or a change in treatment on the watch alone. Huawei also warns that the results should not be used on their own for diagnosis or treatment.