Everyone is well aware that hypertension should be maintained under control with proper medications and lifestyle changes. But many are unable to keep track of their blood pressure level regularly.

A team of scientists led by the professor named Ramakrishna Mukkamala, from MSU electrical and computer engineering have invented a novel smartphone app to measure the blood pressure, using the optical and force sensors in smartphone. These research findings were published in the journal named Scientific Reports.

Ramakrishna Mukkamala, the lead investigator said, "By leveraging optical and force sensors already in smartphones for taking 'selfies' and employing 'peek and pop,' we've invented a practical tool to keep tabs on blood pressure; Such ubiquitous blood pressure monitoring may improve hypertension awareness and control rates, and thereby help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality."

Earlier in 2018, the research team had proposed a concept of blood pressure app in addition to hardware settings like sensors, which matches the standard medical readings. But now with many advances, there is no need of hardware add-ons. Peek and pop, with a simple push of their finger is more than enough.

The team is hoping to make the app available in late 2019, which would be a sure-shot game-changer as it would become convenient to keep track of measurements regularly.

Ramakrishna Mukkamala further said, "Like our original device, the application still needs to be validated in a standard regulatory test; But because no additional hardware is needed, we believe that the app could reach society faster."

Hereafter there is no need of any special instrument for blood pressure measurement. Hence, it would be easier to improve awareness about maintenance of blood pressure among the people.