The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 now offer widespread blood pressure monitoring through the Samsung Health Monitor app. However, this important tool is only available to Galaxy Watch users in certain countries.

While blood pressure monitoring is not available to U.S. users for now, Galaxy Watch 3 wearers in 31 new countries can update their devices to begin tracking this useful health indicator. Previously, only users in South Korea, where Samsung is headquartered, were able to take blood pressure measurements from their wrists.

Samsung had already beaten Apple in making a smartwatch capable of blood pressure monitoring, but this expansion is an important development in the never-ending race to make the most capable wellness wearable.

If FDA approval is granted, U.S. Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 users could have access to blood pressure monitoring before the Apple Watch 7 is available. There have been rumors and patents in the past regarding a blood pressure reader for Apple's smartwatches, but at this time there is no substantial evidence that this will happen in the next model.

High blood pressure, if left untreated, can lead to brain, kidney, and heart disease and stroke. It can be measured on demand from your wrist wherever you are, allowing you to track changes, triggers, and trends.

A home blood pressure armband can be used to obtain readings outside the doctor's office, but a smartwatch is more discreet and portable. However, the Samsung version of the monitor must be calibrated monthly with an actual blood pressure monitor.

Also, as is the case with ECG readings on both the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, self-administered blood pressure measurements are not a substitute for a doctor's visit. However, the collection of more regular readings can be useful for regular health checkups.

The next generation Galaxy Watch (possibly called the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4) will likely have a built-in blood pressure monitoring feature like earlier models. Once launched, this feature will work in 32 countries (full list here).

Recall, at the launch of the Galaxy Watch 3, Samsung revealed that its smartwatch had received FDA approval for ECG measurement; by announcing the same approval for blood pressure monitoring at the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4, it will be able to promote itself.

Samsung's next smartwatch will probably appear at the next Unpacked event along with a new Galaxy smartphone. Rumor has it that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 will headline the keynote speech, which is usually held in late summer.