After voluntarily disabling the pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements on its systems when the Withings health and consumer electronics company was owned by Nokia, the company has this week announced the return of the pulse wave velocity feature to its flagship weighing scales throughout Europe. The feature was originally removed due to the fear that the system may require additional regulatory approval.
Understanding Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)
For those of you unfamiliar with the measurement, “pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the velocity at which the blood pressure pulse propagates through the circulatory system, usually an artery or a combined length of arteries. PWV is used clinically as a measure of arterial stiffness and can be readily measured non-invasively in humans, with measurement of carotid to femoral PWV (cfPWV) being the recommended method.”
PWV is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health. Arterial stiffness is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. By measuring PWV, individuals can gain insights into their arterial health, potentially allowing for early intervention and lifestyle changes to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The non-invasive nature of this measurement makes it accessible and convenient for regular monitoring.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects
Unfortunately, the feature has not yet been reinstated in the US as Withings is still in talks with regulators. The regulatory landscape in the US is stringent, especially for health-related technologies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires comprehensive data and validation to ensure that such features are both safe and effective for public use. Withings is actively working to meet these requirements and is optimistic about bringing PWV measurements back to the US market soon.
The return of PWV measurements in Europe marks a significant milestone for Withings. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing health technology and providing users with valuable tools to monitor their health. The reintroduction of this feature is expected to enhance the user experience and offer more comprehensive health insights.
For more details on all the Withings scales that support measuring pulse wave velocity, jump over to the official Withings website by following the link below. The website provides detailed information on the various models available, their features, and how PWV measurements can be integrated into your daily health routine.
Withings continues to innovate in the health tech space, offering a range of products designed to help users track and improve their health. From smartwatches to sleep trackers, Withings’ ecosystem of devices provides a holistic approach to health monitoring. The reintroduction of PWV measurements is just one example of how the company is leveraging technology to empower users with actionable health data.
As soon as more information becomes available regarding the reinstatement of PWV measurements in the US, we will let you know. Stay tuned for updates and be sure to explore the full range of Withings products to find the right tools for your health journey.
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