How Apple Watch Hypertension Notifications Work

Apple introduced Hypertension Notifications with the Apple Watch Series 11 to alert users to signs of chronic high blood pressure — a condition often called the silent killer. With watchOS 26, the feature is now available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and newer models.

Keep reading to learn how Hypertension Notifications works, who it’s for, and what happens if you get an alert.

Prerequisites to Use Hypertension Notifications

• An iPhone 11 or newer model running on iOS 26 or later.
• An Apple Watch Series 9 or newer model running on watchOS 26 or later.
• Wrist Detection must be enabled on your Apple Watch.

How Hypertension Notifications Work

Unlike hardware-based features such as Double Tap, Hypertension Notifications runs entirely on software and existing heart sensors—making it compatible with older models like the Series 9.

Hypertension Notifications needs at least 30 days of heart data, which starts recording only after you set it up in the Health app on iPhone. Once enough data is collected, your Apple Watch uses a new algorithm to analyze patterns and flag potential signs of high blood pressure.

If your Apple Watch detects signs of possible hypertension in the latest 30 days of data, it sends you a notification.

Want to know if Hypertension Notifications are available in your country? Check out supported regions for Hypertension Notifications.

Who Should Use This Feature

Apple notes that Hypertension Notifications aren’t meant for everyone — they’re designed for a specific group of users to ensure accuracy and safety.

• A user must be at least 22 years old.
• The user must not be pregnant.
• The user must not have an existing hypertension diagnosis.

How to Enable Hypertension Notifications

Now that you know how the feature works and who it’s for, here’s how to turn it on:

1. Open the Health app on the paired iPhone.
2. Here, tap your profile icon at the top right corner.
3. Then, tap Health Checklist under Features.
4. Now, locate and tap Hypertension Notifications.
5. Next, confirm whether you’re 22 years or older, and if you’ve ever been diagnosed with hypertension, then hit Continue.
6. Follow all the on-screen instructions and tap Done to complete the setup.

What Happens If You Get a Hypertension Alert

If you get a hypertension alert, it means your Apple Watch detected signs of high blood pressure in your last 30 days of heart data.

The first step is setting up a Blood Pressure Log in the Health app, which includes:

• Daily reminders to check your blood pressure.
• Fields for entering date, time, systolic, and diastolic pressure.
• Two tracking modes:
  • 7-day log to help detect hypertension.
  • 4-week log to help monitor existing hypertension.

Besides this, the feature will also ask you to measure your blood pressure twice daily (morning and evening) for 7 days using a third-party blood pressure monitor.

Furthermore, you should discuss the hypertension alerts and your blood pressure measurements with your healthcare provider during your next visit.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While Hypertension Notifications are a powerful tool, it’s important to know their limits:

• Not everyone will get an alert. The algorithm only flags cases with enough signs of elevated blood pressure. A lack of alerts doesn’t guarantee normal blood pressure.
• It’s not a diagnosis. The feature is meant to prompt further evaluation, not replace professional diagnosis, treatment, or management of hypertension.
• Requires consistent use. At least 30 days of continuous heart data is needed. If you rarely wear your Apple Watch, results may be incomplete.
• Doesn’t detect heart attacks. If you experience severe chest pain, pressure, or other symptoms of a heart attack, call emergency services immediately.

A Step Forward in Heart Health

Hypertension Notifications add another powerful tool to the Apple Watch, making it more proactive about long-term health. But remember, this feature is not a substitute for medical care. If you get an alert, follow Apple’s guidance: log your blood pressure and consult your healthcare provider.

What do you think of this new feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below.