Google researchers detect hypertension signs with smartwatch PPG and accelerometer data, no cuff calibration needed

Google Research published a Nature study on AI-PPG-ACC-HTN, a multimodal system that detects signs of hypertension from smartwatch PPG and accelerometer data without cuff calibration. Validated against 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in 196 participants across five US sites, it reached 65.8% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity for initial screening, and 78.4% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for confirmatory testing. The authors describe the work as early feasibility research, not a replacement for clinical arm cuffs or a standalone diagnosis.