you’ve ever felt curious or concerned about what your heart is doing, your wearable device may offer a little extra peace of mind. Many models from companies such as Apple, Samsung, FitBit and Garmin record your heart’s electrical activity and provide information on your heart rate and rhythm.
And according to Ankur Karnik, MD, an HonorHealth cardiac electrophysiologist and expert in heart rhythm conditions, these tools can be especially helpful for identifying two specific issues.
Abnormal heart rhythm
Certain abnormal heart rhythms increase your long-term risk of stroke. If you experience palpitations or fluttering, your doctor may recommend you use a wearable to track your heart.
"Wearables are very good at detecting atrial fibrillation," Dr. Karnik says. "However, these devices are not as accurate for picking up other arrhythmias and can’t provide guidance on how to manage them. You need to share the results with your doctor to understand their significance."
Activity tracking and fitness
Wearable devices can track how active you are. They can count the number of steps you take each day and measure how many calories you burn. Some devices also estimate your VO2 max, which shows how fit your heart and lungs are during exercise. Many wearables can even measure oxygen levels, sleep quality and changes in your heart rate, which can give clues about stress.
Are wearables right for you?
"The nice thing about wearables is they can monitor your sleep, stress and activity levels," Dr. Karnik says. “This information can help your doctor to suggest ways to optimize your overall health.”
If you've already received a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (Afib), using a wearable device can help your doctor track how well you're doing. If your type of Afib comes and goes, it can be especially useful with data they can use to adjust your treatment plan, if needed.
Not for worriers
Not everyone is a good candidate for wearables, though. If you're a worrier, you may feel compelled to frequently check your rate and heart rhythm. It's normal for heart rate to fluctuate due to illness, exercise, stress, sleep or other factors. If you feel increased stress from monitoring them, it can be harmful to your health over time.
To lower your risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week for adults. Examples include brisk walking, water aerobics, gardening, doubles tennis or bicycling slower than 10 miles per hour. Exercise also helps reduce stress levels, which is good for both your heart and overall health.
If you experience chest pain, it's important to get urgent medical attention. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition and have new or worsening symptoms, it's also important to see your doctor for an evaluation.