LONDON, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent research on the blood pressure monitoring market, Frost & Sullivan presents Microlife Corporation (Microlife) with the 2013 European Frost & Sullivan Award for Competitive Strategy Innovation & Leadership. Microlife has strategically invested in R&D to address the unmet needs of a large patient base for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. It recently launched Watch BP Home A, an automated oscillometric blood pressure monitor equipped with an accurate atrial fibrillation detection system. The device is used at the initial level of screening for cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and atrial fibrillation.
The Watch BP Home A detects atrial fibrillation based on an embedded algorithm that calculates the irregularity index (standard deviation divided by the mean), depending on the intervals between heartbeats. The diagnosis is further confirmed by performing an electrocardiogram (ECG); "Microlife has astutely positioned the Watch BP Home A as a blood pressure monitor, with atrial fibrillation detection merely being an additional feature, it is this feature that has promoted its acceptance and adoption in the clinical community," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Akanksha Joshi.
Measuring blood pressure, while simultaneously detecting atrial fibrillation, helps reducing the number of strokes and eventually saves costs. According to Frost & Sullivan there is rising competition among companies to provide devices at the lowest possible price. This adversely affects profitability and reduces manufacturers' ability to invest significantly in R&D.
In such a competitive market, Microlife stands out for the diagnostic accuracy of Watch BP Home A, which has been clinically investigated by several studies. The Microlife brand received a huge boost with the world-renowned National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommending the device for routine blood pressure measurement and atrial fibrillation screening in primary care.
The Watch BP Home A follows the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for home blood pressure measurement, being the first of its kind. These recommendations by reputed organizations add credibility to the product and clearly enhance its brand value. "Frost & Sullivan believes that in comparison to competitors, Microlife possesses an exceptional ability to understand market conditions and gaps," noted Joshi. "The Watch BP monitor is a manifestation of Microlife's best practices and has enhanced the company's market value."
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has leveraged competitive intelligence to successfully execute a strategy that results in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning and customer satisfaction.
Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
