A device that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to measure a person’s blood pressure in just 40 seconds is being developed and could soon be available across the UK. The Lifelight, created by Southampton-based company Xim, has undergone successful trials in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The technology targets individuals who do not regularly engage with the National Health Service (NHS), potentially helping to diagnose and manage hypertension, a condition that often goes undetected and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. By detecting color changes in a person’s face, known as “microblushes,” the device is able to provide accurate measurements and translate them into blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration data using AI.
The Lifelight has been praised for its accessibility and potential to reach individuals in underserved areas where cardiovascular checks are less commonly performed. Dr. Lindsay Welch from Wessex Academic Health Science Network highlighted the importance of targeting these locations, which often struggle with financial difficulties and have higher rates of complex illnesses and social problems. According to Public Health England, 43% of people with hypertension in the UK remain undiagnosed. GPs like Dr. Karen Kyd from Portsdown Group Practice underscore the significance of detecting and managing high blood pressure, as it can lead to severe health complications if left untreated, including strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and dementia. This new initiative aims to make blood pressure tests more accessible and provide innovative care to patients.
The development of the Lifelight marks a significant advance in healthcare technology, with potential implications for improving public health outcomes. By offering a contactless and efficient method for measuring blood pressure, the device addresses the challenge of reaching individuals who do not regularly engage with healthcare services. With the ability to be used at home on tablets and smartphones, the Lifelight seeks to empower individuals to take control of their own health monitoring. The device’s accuracy, already comparable to traditional methods such as inflatable cuffs, combined with the use of AI to translate data, demonstrates the potential for AI-driven healthcare solutions. As the trials progress and this technology is rolled out across the country, it has the potential to make a substantial impact on the early detection and management of hypertension, ultimately improving overall public health.
