HeartForever

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Tsinghua University-backed developer of multi-channel pulse wave continuous blood pressure monitoring technology

Tech Multi-Channel Pulse Wave
Regulatory NMPA (Applied)
Founder Dr. Li Yibin, Tsinghua PhD
Location Beijing, China
Company Overview

HeartForever (心永(北京)科技有限公司) is a Beijing-based medical technology startup founded by Dr. Li Yibin, a Tsinghua University microelectronics PhD. The company develops continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring systems based on over a decade of Tsinghua research.

HeartForever secured multi-million yuan funding from Fengrui Capital in 2021 and has applied for NMPA approval (China's National Medical Products Administration, formerly CFDA). The company operates from offices in Beijing's Zhongguancun Dongsheng Science Park and maintains a Tianjin facility in Jingzhong Zhongguancun Science City.

The firm targets China's 245 million hypertension patients, positioning continuous monitoring as a superior alternative to traditional periodic cuff measurements for improving treatment outcomes and preventing cardiovascular events.

Technology

HeartForever's core technology uses multi-channel pulse wave phase-difference analysis to derive continuous blood pressure from skin surface signals without traditional cuff inflation. The system integrates three technical pillars:

1. Array Sensors: Self-developed silicon semiconductor-based pulse wave sensors capture multi-point arterial waveforms simultaneously. Unlike single-channel PPG systems, the multi-channel approach provides spatial and temporal data for more robust BP estimation.

2. Hemodynamic Modeling: Proprietary algorithms apply fluid dynamics principles to translate pulse wave characteristics (amplitude, morphology, phase differences) into systolic and diastolic pressure values. The system accounts for numerous physiological and environmental confounders affecting peripheral circulation.

3. Mass Data Analysis: The team accumulated over 75,000 validation data points across diverse patient populations to train and refine their algorithms. Machine learning models address individual variability in pulse wave-to-BP relationships.

The platform delivers medical-grade accuracy with error <8mmHg (claimed), meeting AAMI/ISO validation thresholds. The wearable integrates with mobile apps, cloud storage, and data sharing capabilities for longitudinal tracking and alerts.

Clinical Performance

HeartForever claims medical-grade accuracy with measurement error less than 8mmHg, which would meet AAMI SP-10 and ISO 81060-2 validation criteria. The company reports accumulating over 75,000 data points during clinical testing across diverse patient populations.

However, no peer-reviewed publications or independent validation studies were found in public databases. The company has applied for NMPA approval but regulatory clearance status is not confirmed. No FDA 510(k) or CE mark certifications are mentioned.

The system provides early warning alerts for abnormal blood pressure and aims to enable rapid emergency intervention. Strategic partnerships with leading Chinese hospitals are underway, though specific clinical trial results have not been disclosed publicly.

Expected product launch was end of 2022, though current market availability is unclear. The lack of published validation data limits independent assessment of clinical accuracy claims.

<8mmHg
Accuracy
Claimed Error Rate
75k+
Data Points
Clinical Validation
10y+
Research
Tsinghua University
245M
Target Market
China Hypertension Patients
Market Position

HeartForever positions itself as the "CGM of blood pressure monitoring", drawing parallels to continuous glucose monitoring's disruption of diabetes care. The company targets both clinical and consumer markets with a focus on China's massive hypertension population.

Key differentiators include Tsinghua University research pedigree, multi-channel sensing (vs. single-channel PPG competitors), and integration of hardware-software-cloud ecosystem. The company emphasizes "continuous, imperceptible, and accurate" monitoring as superior to periodic cuff measurements.

Competitive positioning faces challenges from established oscillometric device makers (Omron, Microlife) and emerging wearable BP monitors (Aktiia, Huawei). Success depends on achieving NMPA approval, publishing validation studies, and demonstrating clinical utility in improving hypertension management outcomes.

The domestic-first strategy leverages China's regulatory pathway and large patient population before potential international expansion. Fengrui Capital backing provides resources for scaling manufacturing and clinical partnerships.

Sources