When a blood pressure tracker landed on my desk, I was intrigued. Having recently tested the Whoop MG and seen Apple’s new blood pressure features, I wondered if a device like the Hilo could be useful for someone like me, whose blood pressure tends to run low.
Health-tracking enthusiasts are keen on monitoring blood pressure, but unless you have hypertension, most doctors agree it’s not essential. The British Heart Foundation says normal readings are between 90/60 and 130/85 mmHg. Around 30% of UK adults have high blood pressure, and five million may be unaware.
I wore the Hilo tracker for two months, monitoring my blood pressure regularly. To test accuracy, I cross-referenced results with a traditional cuff and readings from two doctor appointments. I also assessed design, app experience, and comfort.
The Hilo is a compact wrist device claiming clinical-grade accuracy without bulk. It uses pulse wave analysis after calibration with a cuff, taking up to 50 readings daily. The design is lightweight and unobtrusive, with a clear screen and simple interface.
Setup is quick, and the app is pared back, logging data automatically and charting numbers over time. It offers jargon-free explanations but no tailored insights or behavioural nudges. Hilo focuses on one task rather than overpromising, but you cannot wear another fitness tracker on the same wrist.
Accuracy was a key test. While the Hilo provided consistent readings, I found it occasionally differed from the traditional cuff. Overall, it is a useful tool for those wanting to track blood pressure trends, but it is not a substitute for medical-grade monitoring.
