Looking after your blood pressure just got a whole lot easier, thanks to a new device from the University of California, San Diego. The BPClip is a simple cell phone attachment that gives readings comparable to those taken with a traditional cuff. And the best part? It costs just $0.80 to make.
The device works by using the flashlight and camera on your smartphone, along with some basic physics. A plastic clip with a spring mechanism lets you squeeze the device, while two light channels direct a flashlight to your finger and the reflected light to the camera for image processing. A custom-made Android app handles the data processing and guides you through the measurement.
The BPClip is a game-changer for lower-income individuals who may struggle to afford traditional blood pressure measuring devices. And it’s not just about cost: “Worldwide, just over one-third of patients with hypertension are diagnosed and treated,” says Dr. Harriette Van Spall, associate professor at the McMaster University Division of Cardiology. “Those in marginalized populations, including women, people of color, and socioeconomically deprived people are particularly susceptible to underdiagnosis and undertreatment and could benefit from such patient-centered technologies.”
The BPClip team hopes that the device will eventually be handed out by doctors or nonprofit organizations, just like dentists hand out floss and toothbrushes. They’ve even created a startup company, Billion Labs Inc., to further refine their design.
So how does the BPClip work? Blood absorbs light, and by covering your phone’s flashlight with your finger in a dark room, you can see pulsing in your glowing finger. This is from your actual pulse, which sends blood flowing through the veins and arteries in your finger. The BPClip records these pulses of light using the phone’s camera, and by gradually compressing the spring from 0 to 100 percent, a range of different pressures can be applied to the blood vessels in the finger. These pressures affect the flow of blood, which can be used to calculate blood pressure readings.
It’s a simple yet effective solution that could make a huge difference to people’s health. And at just $0.80, it’s an affordable option for everyone.
Today, a new revolutionary smartphone attachment has been announced, allowing individuals to monitor their blood pressure at home in a more convenient and cost-effective way.
Developed by medical professionals, this handy device attaches directly to your smartphone, giving you the opportunity to take your own accurate blood pressure measurements literally anywhere. The attachment can take readings from almost any size arm, and communicate the data via Bluetooth or a USB cable to the accompanying app on your mobile phone. The app then stores your data for you to review in-depth, or share with your healthcare practitioner.
The ability to track your blood pressure over time and make note of changes, can make a big difference to managing your health and wellbeing. Especially for people suffering from chronic conditions, such as hypertension, high blood pressure can have numerous and serious medical complications. Now, by having an easy-to-use device that gives reliable readings, individuals can keep a closer eye on their health and take action much more quickly if they notice any changes.
The attachment has already proven to be a huge success, with a variety of healthcare and wellness professionals already using the device in their practice. Most importantly, however, is its affordability. The device is available to the public for only a fraction of the cost of traditional blood pressure monitors, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation.
In conclusion, this revolutionary smartphone attachment is already having a positive impact on the lives of so many. It is not only incredibly convenient, but also extremely affordable, and now means everyone has the ability to monitor their blood pressure at home – ultimately enabling them to improve their health and wellbeing.
