Aktiia: The Future of Blood Pressure Monitoring is Here

For decades, monitoring blood pressure has been a cumbersome and often stressful experience. The infrequent readings taken at a doctor’s office or with a bulky home cuff often fail to capture the full picture of our cardiovascular health, and can be influenced by “white coat syndrome” – the phenomenon of blood pressure rising simply due to the stress of being in a clinical setting. But what if there was a way to track this vital sign continuously, effortlessly, and with clinical accuracy? Enter Aktiia, a Swiss health technology company that is revolutionizing hypertension management with its groundbreaking wearable bracelet.

Aktiia, which has recently begun rebranding to Hilo in some markets, was founded in Switzerland in May 2018 by Dr. Mattia Bertschi and Dr. Josep Solà. Their mission is to create a world where blood pressure is monitored and managed proactively, moving beyond sporadic snapshots to a continuous stream of data. The result of their vision is a sleek, unobtrusive wrist-worn device that provides 24/7 blood pressure monitoring, offering unprecedented insights into cardiovascular health

How Does Aktiia Work? The Science Behind the Bracelet

At the heart of the Aktiia bracelet are optical sensors that use a technique called photoplethysmography (PPG. This is the same technology used in many fitness trackers to measure heart rate. The bracelet shines a green light onto the skin of the wrist, and the sensors measure the changes in light absorption as blood pulses through the arteries

However, Aktiia’s proprietary algorithms go a step further. Developed through over 15 years of research at the prestigious Swiss research institute CSEM, these algorithms analyze the shape of the pulse waves to calculate blood pressure. This innovative approach, known as Optical Blood Pressure Monitoring (OBPM®), allows for continuous and cuffless measurement.

To ensure accuracy, the Aktiia system requires an initial calibration with a traditional upper arm cuff, which is included with the device. This process is repeated once a month to maintain the precision of the optical readings.

Clinically Validated Accuracy: What the Studies Say

Aktiia has undergone rigorous testing and has received CE marking as a Class IIa medical device in Europe, signifying that it meets the required safety and performance standards. The company has also published numerous peer-reviewed clinical studies to validate its technology.

Several studies have compared the Aktiia bracelet to the gold standard of blood pressure monitoring: 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), where a patient wears a cuff that inflates at regular intervals throughout the day and night. Research has shown that Aktiia’s daytime measurements are comparable to those of ABPM.

One study published in Hypertension Research found no significant difference in daytime systolic blood pressure between the Aktiia monitor and a traditional ABPM. Another pivotal trial demonstrated that Aktiia’s measurements are accurate across various body positions, including sitting, lying down, and standing.

However, it’s important to note that some studies have highlighted discrepancies in nighttime readings between Aktiia and ABPM. Aktiia continues to conduct research to refine its algorithms and further improve accuracy in all conditions.

The User Experience: Living with Aktiia

One of the most significant advantages of the Aktiia bracelet is its user-friendly and unobtrusive design. The lightweight and comfortable bracelet is designed to be worn continuously, day and night Users report that they often forget they are even wearing it. The latest version of the device is also waterproof, a significant improvement on earlier models.

The data collected by the bracelet is seamlessly synced via Bluetooth to the Aktiia mobile app. The app provides clear and easy-to-understand graphs that show blood pressure trends over time. Users can see how their blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day and night, and how it is influenced by factors like diet, exercise, stress, and medication. The app also allows users to generate PDF reports that can be easily shared with their doctor, facilitating more informed conversations about their hypertension management.

The battery life of the bracelet is impressive, lasting up to nine days on a single charge.[8]

The Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros:

• Continuous 24/7 Monitoring: Provides a comprehensive view of blood pressure patterns.
• Cuffless and Unobtrusive: Comfortable to wear and does not disrupt daily life.
• Clinically Validated: CE-marked as a medical device with numerous supporting studies.
• Actionable Insights: The mobile app helps users understand their data and share it with their healthcare providers.
• Eliminates “White Coat Syndrome”: Provides more accurate readings by removing the stress of traditional measurements.

Cons:

• Monthly Calibration Required: Still necessitates the use of a traditional cuff once a month.
• Not a Diagnostic Tool: Intended for monitoring, not for the initial diagnosis of hypertension.
• Potential Nighttime Discrepancies: Some studies show differences in nighttime readings compared to ABPM.
• Not Suitable for Everyone: May not be accurate for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as arrhythmias.

The Future of Aktiia and Blood Pressure Management

Aktiia is poised to make a significant impact on how hypertension is managed globally. The company has secured substantial funding to support its growth and is actively working towards obtaining FDA clearance to enter the US market. The rebranding to Hilo in some regions suggests a broader global ambition.

By providing a continuous and user-friendly way to monitor blood pressure, Aktiia empowers individuals to take a more active role in their cardiovascular health. The wealth of data generated by the device has the potential to lead to a deeper understanding of hypertension and the development of more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

In conclusion, Aktiia represents a major leap forward in blood pressure monitoring. While it may not be a complete replacement for traditional methods just yet, it offers a powerful tool for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of their cardiovascular health and work collaboratively with their doctor to manage hypertension effectively. The future of blood pressure management is continuous, data-driven, and empowering, and Aktiia is leading the charge.