#South Korea #Seoul #blood pressure #Sky Labs #CART BP pro

Introduction

Sky Labs has made a groundbreaking announcement on May 26, 2026, revealing that its innovative cuffless blood pressure monitor, CART BP pro, has been officially included in the 2026 guidelines set by the Korean Society of Hypertension for managing hypertension. This historic move marks the first time a ring-shaped cuffless blood pressure monitor has been recognized in clinical guidelines globally.

Key Features of the CART BP pro

The CART BP pro offers an unprecedented method of measuring blood pressure entirely through its application on a finger, eliminating the discomfort typically associated with traditional cuff monitors. By not compressing the arm, it allows for continuous monitoring in a manner that fits seamlessly into a patient's daily routine. This advancement is particularly significant for out-of-office blood pressure measurements that require accuracy and accessibility.

Acceptance in Clinical Practice

The Korean Society of Hypertension's inclusion of CART BP pro into their clinical practice guidelines establishes it as a recommended tool for managing blood pressure outside of clinical settings. It has been classified as a Class IIb device, suggesting it is appropriate for clinical use, especially aimed at portable and real-world testing scenarios. This acknowledgment also aims to address the rising challenges posed by conditions like masked hypertension, which can be significantly overlooked during standard clinical visits.

Addressing the Needs of Patients

The updated guidelines emphasized the increased need for effective blood pressure monitoring, particularly for patients at risk of hypertension conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The recommended target for blood pressure management has become stricter, set below 130/80 mmHg, marking a pivotal shift in clinical targets and treatment approaches. Moreover, the guidelines propose that patients with pre-hypertensive conditions actively engage in regular monitoring, making the CART BP pro a vital tool for early detection and intervention.

Understanding Nighttime and Morning Hypertension

Statistics cited within the guidelines indicate that about 18-23% of the general population may suffer from nighttime hypertension, characterized by blood pressure levels exceeding 120/70 mmHg during sleep. This condition, alongside morning hypertension (defined as exceeding 135/85 mmHg upon waking), poses substantial risks for cardiovascular health. The introduction of CART BP pro is seen as particularly beneficial in accurately assessing these critical conditions, enabling better patient outcomes through continuous, unobtrusive monitoring.

Clinical Validation and The Benefits of Innovation

Despite prior hesitations from major healthcare organizations regarding cuffless devices—largely due to concerns about accuracy and standardization—the CART BP pro has demonstrated favorable correlation with conventional blood pressure readings. Clinical studies affirm that it meets the stringent accuracy standards defined by the international ISO norms. These findings underpin the monitor's potential to redefine blood pressure management, merging technological innovation with practical medical applications.

Future Directions

As highlighted by Jack ByungHwan Lee, CEO of Sky Labs, the recognition of CART BP pro within official hypertension guidelines positions Korea at the forefront of cuffless blood pressure technology on a global scale. The company intends to expedite international regulatory processes to expand the reach of this technology.

Conclusion

With over 250,000 prescriptions written so far since its introduction, CART BP pro is now widely utilized in nearly 1,920 hospitals and clinics throughout South Korea. This innovative device not only promises to enhance daily health monitoring experiences but also aims to set a new global standard in hypertension management, ultimately benefiting millions of patients worldwide.