Accurate blood pressure measurement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and without a pressing cuff constantly pinching the arm? That’s the promise of the Aktiia blood pressure monitor. Whether and how well the whole thing works, clarifies our Aktiia test.
Technical data
| Name | Aktiia 24/7 |
| Measure | Systolic and diastolic blood pressure |
| Display | not present |
| Operation | Only via app |
| Water protection | IP33 (spray water protected) |
| Battery life | 10-12 days |
| Size bracelet | 32 mm x 16 mm x 9 mm |
| Weight bracelet | 19 grams |
| App compatibility | Android (version 7 and above); iOS (version 11 and above) |
| Interfaces | Bluetooth 4.3; microUSB for charging |
| Price | 229.99 euros |
Aktiia in test: design and workmanship
- Simple design
- Small and lightweight; does not interfere at night
- Only spray water protected
Aktiia’s blood pressure monitor comes in a compact cardboard box, which is divided into two compartments. In the first compartment we find the black wristband, which looks a bit like a fitness tracker – only without a display. A charging cable and magnetic charging attachment along with instructions are also found inside. In the second compartment we find the typical arm cuff that is so associated with blood pressure monitors, here too there is a separate charging cable along with instructions.
Both devices are black in color and look very sleek. On the bottom of the wristband is the blood pressure sensor, as well as the pins for charging. The charging station itself has an LED ring that glows red when the wristband is charging.
The workmanship of both devices and accessories is okay, but the charging station and base unit of the cuff do not look really high-quality and robust. By the way, the wristband is not water-resistant either, which is a bit of a shame. It only offers IP33 protection against water spray. However, with a weight of 19 grams, the wristband is pleasantly light.
Setup and Practice
- Quick and easy setup
- Calibration a bit wonky
- Battery life of up to 12 days
Setting up the Aktiia is as simple as can be. First, an account must be set up within the companion app for iOS and Android. Here, information on gender, age, height or weight is specified.
After that, it is time to connect. The Armand has to be positioned on the charging station and then establishes a connection to the smartphone via Bluetooth. Once this is done, the cuff has to be connected by switching it on.
Once both are done, the Aktiia wristband and cuff need to be calibrated. However, this is a bit tricky and required several attempts during our test until it worked. Either because the smartphone (lying right next to it) was out of reach or because another error occurred.
The wristband takes several measurements for calibration. After that, the cuff has to be positioned on the upper arm and fully inflates a total of three times. Anyone who has ever had to endure a 24-hour blood pressure measurement knows how uncomfortable and oppressive this can be – many people find this pressure very annoying.
The big advantage of Aktiia, however, is that this cuff only needs to be put on once a month to confirm or adjust the calibration of the wristband. Once we have taken the three measurements, the Aktiia wristband is ready for use.
Now we don’t really have to do anything more than regularly synchronize the wristband with the app so that the measured values can be transferred to the statistics. This only takes a few seconds and worked flawlessly during the test.
The wristband has a battery life of 10-12 days, depending on how many measurements are taken per day. After that, it needs to be powered up again, which takes about an hour and a half.
Accurate blood pressure measurement with Aktiia
- Precise blood pressure measurement
- Practical companion app including analysis
- PDF expert of the data possible
Within the companion app, we then see our readings and receive further guidance. For example, what percentage of blood pressure was in the target range below 135/85 on any given day, what the resting pulse rate is, and what blood pressure looks like during the day and during sleep.
The blood pressure values for the day are arranged at the top of a table according to time, and it is easy to see at a glance when and where blood pressure was too high or too low.
How many measurements are taken during the day, however, varies quite a bit. This is because the wristband only measures at rest or during light movements. If you are very active and do a lot of sports, you will not receive any readings during this period.
In my test, the number of measurements varied between 38 and 32, which still provides a good overview. In the table, different colors indicate whether the blood pressure was clearly too high (red), slightly elevated (orange), in the ideal range (green) or below (blue). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure values are displayed as mmHg values.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to export the data to Google or Apple Health, for example. However, you can create a PDF report for the week or month directly from the app, which provides a detailed analysis and can even be shared with your own doctor, for example. Very practical. Aktiia, by the way, is certified as Class IIa under the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745.
Aktiia test: conclusion
Aktiia allows convenient, uncomplicated and accurate measurement of blood pressure 24 hours a day. Even at night, the pleasantly light and thin wristband does not disturb sleep and continues to record.
The data is processed in a clear and well-structured app and the PDF export is also a great feature. Only the only decent build quality and the splash water protection are annoying; it would have been nice to get a truly water-resistant device for the quite high price.
If you need (or want) to keep an eye on your blood pressure, Aktiia is a really practical gadget that makes you forget about the annoying arm cuff (and only makes it an annoying chore once a month).
Aktiia 24/7
Design & workmanship
Battery
Usability
Value for money
88/100
Practical, convenient and lightweight blood pressure monitor that provides accurate results and comprehensive analysis. However, the price is quite high, the workmanship only okay.
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