Today in our review, we will be looking at a unique device - the HUAWEI Watch D2. What makes it unique? The HUAWEI Watch D2 is the only smartwatch in the world that supports Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring (CBPM). CBPM is the function that measures blood pressure multiple times throughout the day, every 15, 30, or 45 minutes. This allows for tracking blood pressure changes during the day and night, including assessing blood pressure rhythm. This feature is highly effective in diagnosing hypertension and cardiovascular risks.
Hypertension is one of the most common and dangerous chronic diseases, affecting 1 in 3-4 adults worldwide. It can lead to heart and brain problems as well as other organ dysfunctions. However, only 54% of the 1.28 billion people suffering from hypertension have a confirmed diagnosis. This is due to the fact that blood pressure can be influenced by various factors such as emotional state, surroundings, diet, and more. Some individuals may experience high blood pressure due to stress, a phenomenon known as "white coat syndrome." Conversely, others may have normal blood pressure during clinic visits but high blood pressure when measured at home, a condition known as masked hypertension. CBPM provides a clearer picture of an individual's blood pressure and is considered a mandatory standard for hypertension diagnosis.
Traditionally, special CBPM devices are used for measurement, but they are expensive and cumbersome. However, the HUAWEI Watch D2 solves this problem by integrating a mechanical cuff into its strap. The strap, made of sweat-resistant and hypoallergenic materials, ensures a snug fit and comfortable cuff inflation. The pump responsible for inflating the cuff is located within the watch itself. With a measurement time of 30 seconds, the watch takes all the hassle out of monitoring blood pressure, even during sleep.
To ensure accurate measurement, it is important to adjust the strap size properly and position the watch two finger-widths above the wrist, following the measurement instructions. Even with these measures, I found the watch to provide accurate measurements in about 4 out of 5 attempts. The watch records all measurements in the Huawei Health app, allowing easy access to data for healthcare professionals. However, it should be noted that the HUAWEI Watch D2 is not certified as a medical device in Russia.
Apart from its blood pressure monitoring capabilities, the HUAWEI Watch D2 functions as a regular smartwatch. With a durable glass-aluminum case, a bright screen, a control button and wheel, a speaker for phone calls, and the TruSense module with multiple sensors, it has everything you expect from a modern smartwatch. The watch is water and dust resistant (IP68) but not suitable for swimming or diving activities. The device runs on Huawei's own HarmonyOS 5.0 and can be paired with both Android (8.0 and above) and iOS (13.0 and above) devices.
In conclusion, the HUAWEI Watch D2 is a niche device that excels in health monitoring, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure or those who prioritize their well-being. However, for everyday casual use, there are more affordable alternatives. Nonetheless, Huawei has made a significant advancement in the development of smartwatches with the inclusion of CBPM. Hopefully, non-invasive blood sugar monitoring will be the next breakthrough in wearable devices.
