The wearable industry is turning its attention to blood pressure, with Apple Watch launching hypertension alerts last month and now Oura, the makers behind 2025's best smart ring, revealing plans to develop its own blood pressure monitoring feature.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects the arteries and can lead to serious health issues such as a heart attack or stroke. It’s not a feature to be taken lightly, which is why Apple’s alerts received FDA approval, and now Oura’s next step is something called the Blood Pressure Profile Study. This will be a new feature in the Oura app, where eligible users can participate in research that will help the company collect data and build a software feature designed to detect hypertension risks.
Who can take part in the study
To take part in the research, you need to be based in the U.S., aged 22 or over, and using an Oura Ring Gen 3 or newer. The latest model available is the Oura Ring 4. You also need to use the English version of the Oura app. Anyone who is currently pregnant, within 12 weeks postpartum, or has a cardiac implant such as a pacemaker will not be eligible to participate. More details about the study and how to join will appear in the Oura Labs section of the Oura app.
What will the study involve
So far, Oura says that if you opt in to the Blood Pressure Profile Study, you’ll wear your ring as usual, answer a few background questions, and the company will translate signals from your body into insights about your cardiovascular health.
The company explained, “By choosing to participate in the Blood Pressure Profile Study, you can provide direct feedback and contribute valuable data that may help researchers at Oura understand new ways wearable technology could support future heart health research.”
How to stay safe with your health data
Wearable technology has come a long way from tracking steps, workouts, and sleep. Devices like the Oura Ring, which began primarily as a sleep and recovery tracker, are now exploring ways to detect potential health risks, such as high blood pressure, before symptoms appear. This shift reflects a wider trend in the industry as rings and watches start moving from lifestyle tools toward devices that could provide early insights into serious conditions.
As wearables collect more sensitive health information, there are a few simple ways to stay in control of your data. Make sure your app is always up to date, use strong, unique passwords for your account, and review the privacy settings within the Oura app to understand how your information is stored and shared. Limiting who you share your health data with and keeping personal insights private can help you enjoy the benefits of these features while keeping your information secure.
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