Oura launches two new heart health features

Oura, the maker of the Smart ring, has unveiled two novel features concentrating on heart health, as disclosed by the company on Friday. The first feature purports to provide users with an insight into their cardiovascular age, while the second one aims to estimate their cardio capacity. Oura will suggest strategies for enhancing sleep quality, physical activity, and stress management based on a user’s results.

It’s crucial to note that these new features are not intended to replace professional medical advice or regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. If users have concerns about their health, they should seek a diagnosis from a medical professional. Oura emphasizes that its Oura Ring is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, cure, monitor, or prevent medical conditions or illnesses.

The new “Cardiovascular Age” feature is designed to help users comprehend their cardiovascular age relative to their chronological age, aiming to identify behaviors that could positively impact their longevity. For example, if a user’s cardiovascular age exceeds their actual age, they might receive a message advising increased physical activity. However, consulting with a doctor is also recommended.

After utilizing the Oura App for at least two weeks, users will receive a Cardiovascular Age metric indicating whether they are trending below, above, or in line with their chronological age. Nonetheless, these results should be confirmed by a healthcare professional.

Explaining the mechanism

The company stated that Oura calculates Cardiovascular Age by analyzing age-related observations within a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal, which includes information about estimated arterial stiffness and pulse wave velocity (PWV).

The “Cardio Capacity” feature is centered on an estimation of VO2Max, a measure indicating the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise. A higher cardio capacity typically correlates with a healthier cardiovascular system across one’s lifespan.

To use this feature, Oura Members will be prompted to undergo a walking test to establish a baseline VO2Max, which is then translated into Cardio Capacity.

Dr. Shyamal Patel, Oura’s senior vice president of science, highlighted the rigorous development process of these features in collaboration with board-certified cardiologists and scientists from reputable research institutions.

Oura aims to offer a holistic approach to health with these new features, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various physiological aspects and the implications of cardiovascular age and cardio capacity on multiple organ systems.

The Cardiovascular Age and Cardio Capacity features will roll out later this month and will be accessible on Oura Ring Gen3 devices for both Android and iOS platforms.