New Blood Pressure Profile Study Coming Soon to Oura Labs – Oura Ring

Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being through Technological Innovation

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, represents a significant global health challenge and a primary obstacle to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. As a leading non-communicable disease (NCD), its prevalence undermines SDG Target 3.4, which calls for a one-third reduction in premature mortality from NCDs. Current data indicates a critical gap in awareness and management:

• An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition.
• Only 20% of adults with the condition have it under effective control.

Addressing this gap through innovative prevention and monitoring strategies is essential for global public health progress.

Report on the Oura Blood Pressure Profile Study Initiative

Oura has launched the Blood Pressure Profile Study, a research initiative conducted through Oura Labs. This study is strategically aligned with SDG 3 by seeking to develop technological solutions for the early identification of hypertension risks. It also supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by advancing scientific research through wearable technology.

Objectives and Contribution to Global Goals

The primary objective is to develop a software feature capable of providing users with insights into their cardiovascular health and potential hypertension risks. By leveraging data from wearable devices, the initiative aims to:

• Promote Preventative Health: Empower individuals with accessible health information, contributing directly to SDG Target 3.4 by facilitating early detection and management of a key NCD.
• Foster Innovation: Contribute valuable data to the scientific community on the role of wearable technology in cardiovascular health research, aligning with SDG 9’s focus on enhancing technological capabilities.
• Build Partnerships: Engage members in a collaborative research process, reflecting the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by uniting technology providers and users to solve a global health problem.

Methodology and Participation Protocol

The study employs a non-invasive, remote data collection methodology that does not require clinical visits or traditional monitoring equipment like blood pressure cuffs. The protocol for participants is as follows:

1. Continuous physiological data collection via the Oura Ring.
2. Completion of a brief questionnaire regarding background health history.
3. Contribution of anonymized data for analysis by Oura researchers.

Participant Eligibility Criteria

Participation in the study is subject to specific eligibility requirements to ensure data integrity and participant safety. Prospective participants must meet the following criteria:

• Be based in the United States and use the English version of the Oura App.
• Be 22 years of age or older.
• Use an Oura Ring Generation 3 or newer model.
• Not be currently pregnant or within 12 weeks postpartum.
• Not have any cardiac implants, such as pacemakers.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed in the article. The text focuses on high blood pressure (hypertension), a major non-communicable disease and a global health risk. The article highlights the problem by stating that “46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have it,” directly linking to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article discusses a solution that relies heavily on technology and innovation. The “Blood Pressure Profile Study” uses “wearable technology” (the Oura Ring) and data analysis to “develop a software feature” for cardiovascular health. This effort to “further innovative research” and use technology to solve a health problem aligns with SDG 9’s emphasis on fostering innovation and upgrading technological capabilities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   The article directly addresses this target by focusing on hypertension, a leading non-communicable disease. The Oura study aims to create a feature that helps users “spot hidden hypertension risks,” which is a form of prevention and early detection. The article also notes that “only 1 in 5 adults with hypertension are managing the condition effectively,” highlighting a gap in treatment that this new technology aims to address, ultimately contributing to the reduction of premature mortality from cardiovascular issues.

2. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…encouraging innovation.

   The article is a clear example of this target in action. Oura, a technology company, is conducting “innovative research” through its Oura Labs platform. By inviting members to “contribute valuable data,” the company is enhancing its scientific research capabilities to “understand new ways wearable technology could support future heart health research.” This initiative represents a direct effort to upgrade technological capabilities to create new health solutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 3.4:

  While the article does not mention official SDG indicators like mortality rates, it provides statistics that can serve as proxy indicators for measuring the problem and potential progress:

  • Prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension: The article states that an “estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have it.” A reduction in this percentage would indicate progress in prevention and awareness, which the Oura feature aims to facilitate.
  • Proportion of population with controlled hypertension: The article mentions that “only 1 in 5 adults with hypertension are managing the condition effectively.” An increase in this proportion would be a direct measure of improved treatment and management, a goal of the new technology.

• For Target 9.5:

  The article implies indicators related to private sector research and development:

  • Development of new health-focused technologies: The primary goal of the study is to “develop a software feature” for health monitoring. The successful creation and launch of this feature would be a tangible indicator of innovation.
  • Public participation in technology-driven scientific research: The study itself, which invites “eligible members to participate in research,” is an indicator of how technology platforms can be leveraged to advance scientific knowledge and innovation.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: ouraring.com