Omron Healthcare Introduces New Device Drivers Built On Microsoft HealthVault

Bannockburn, IL - Omron Healthcare, Inc. recently announced a strategic relationship to support Microsoft HealthVault, Microsoft's consumer health platform, enabling two Omron blood pressure monitors (HEM-790IT & HEM-670-IT) and a pedometer (HJ-720ITC) to be compatible and share information within the platform. HealthVault provides users the ability to find, collect, and share important health information over time such as home blood pressure monitoring which is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA).

"Omron is devoted to providing accurate and high quality products, and we strive to deliver the latest technologies available to help our customers lead a healthy lifestyle," said Bob Kondraske, chief operating officer, Omron Healthcare. "We are excited to combine our device capabilities with HealthVault's offerings to maximize the use of Omron products, and to play an active role in health management for consumers."

Omron users have a choice between two downloadable options to connect compatible devices to the HealthVault platform -- a 32 and 64-bit device driver. Individuals can install their preferred driver to access and manage their health information through a free web-based account that enables them to collect and store information, as well as share this information with family members and physicians.

With approximately 73 million Americans diagnosed with hypertension, the ability to chart one's progress at home and keep a physician apprised is key to reducing risks such as a heart attack or stroke. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, urging people to monitor blood pressure at home can be a motivating factor to help them be proactive and make changes for the better. With products that are capable of uploading information to an online tool like HealthVault, progress of a person's health becomes a visual assessment to reinforce a healthy lifestyle.

Omron's products available for use with HealthVault include:

• HEM-790 IT blood pressure monitor allows for detection of conditions such as morning hypertension and irregular heartbeat
• HEM-670 IT portable wrist blood pressure monitor for those who want a second unit for use away from home or who have trouble placing a cuff on their arm
• HJ-720 ITC pedometer which employs dual acceleration sensor technology that measures the number of steps taken, distance walked, calories and fat burned and the number of aerobic steps a user takes

"We are pleased to align HealthVault's capabilities with Omron devices to ensure consumers have the opportunity to integrate important blood pressure and step-count data with other wellness-related information for optimal health management," said Bert Van Hoof, director of partner and developer program, Microsoft Health Solutions Group.

SOURCE: Omron Healthcare, Inc.