"The Era of Cuffless is Here"… Ring-Type Blood Pressure Monitor 'CART BP pro' Becomes World's First to Be Integrated into Official Hypertension Guidelines

South Korea’s Korean Society of Hypertension (KSH) finalized its 2026 guidelines in May, making history by recommending the world’s first cuffless blood pressure monitor for clinical use. The 'CART BP pro,' a ring-type device developed by Sky Labs, was included as a valid tool for out-of-office blood pressure measurement, classified under 'Recommendation Class IIb.' This marks a global shift, as major societies in the U.S. and Europe had previously resisted cuffless devices due to concerns over accuracy and validation standards. The guidelines reflect strong clinical evidence supporting the device’s reliability. Studies showed the ring-type monitor correlated well with traditional auscultatory measurements and matched the precision of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The KSH’s decision follows a review process that highlighted its potential to improve hypertension management, particularly for patients requiring continuous monitoring. The updated guidelines also introduced stricter blood pressure targets for high-risk groups, including those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or a history of stroke. These patients are now advised to maintain readings below 130/80 mmHg, alongside risk-based drug treatment protocols. For prehypertensive individuals—a group at high risk of progressing to hypertension—the guidelines recommend proactive use of ABPM or home monitoring to detect 'masked hypertension,' where patients appear normal during office visits but face elevated risks. The rise of wearable cuffless monitors like the 'CART BP pro' addresses critical gaps in hypertension care. These devices enable seamless tracking of nocturnal and morning hypertension—conditions often missed by single office measurements—both linked to higher cardiovascular risks. Domestic studies cited in the guidelines reveal that nocturnal hypertension (blood pressure ≥120/70 mmHg during sleep) affects 18–23% of the population, with 92.6% of these cases classified as masked hypertension. Morning hypertension (blood pressure ≥135/85 mmHg upon waking) was reported in 15.9% of hypertensive patients, further underscoring the need for continuous monitoring. The KSH’s recommendation was previewed at the Korean Society of Cardiology’s spring conference in April and formalized in May, drawing attention from the global hypertension community. While Western societies remain cautious, the guidelines position South Korea as a leader in integrating innovative, patient-friendly technologies into clinical practice. The move could influence future international standards, particularly as demand grows for non-invasive, real-time blood pressure solutions.