Heart health is a big issue facing many Australians, something that technology can help get on top of. There’s every chance that your smartwatch fitted with ECG technology could detect a major heart condition.
Today marks the start of Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, aimed at highlighting a condition affecting roughly half a million Australians. Typified by irregular heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation can increase your risk of strokes, heart failure, and other heart-related issues. Although you can notice it through heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, the condition can also be asymptomatic, making it even more important to be vigilant.
Recent advancements in wearable technology allow smartwatches to monitor heart rhythms and potentially detect atrial fibrillation. Many smartwatches now come equipped with electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities. These devices can record the electrical signals from your heart and potentially alert you to irregular patterns indicative of atrial fibrillation.
Helping detect irregularities
Although not a replacement for a clinical diagnosis, modern smartwatches can certainly help, as explained by Associate Professor Chrishan Nalliah, a clinical academic electrophysiologist with MQ Health Cardiology.
“When it comes to heart health management, people often think of implantable devices such as pacemakers, but wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers, can play a critical role in identifying underlying abnormalities of heart rhythm or other health parameters, which can drastically improve the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation,” said Associate Professor Nalliah.
Wearables with health-tracking features can prompt a discussion with a health professional, which Tanya Hall, founder and CEO of Hearts4heart, believes could help improve diagnosis rates.
“While it’s only an indication, if a wearable device detects an abnormal heartbeat, the user can then visit their GP for a heart check with a stethoscope to determine the reason for the irregularity,” said Hall.
Which smartwatches come with ECG?
Several smartwatch brands support ECG measurements in Australia. There are others that have the technology but not local approval yet, like Garmin’s wearables.
For the models that do support ECG, it’s important to take regular measurements so you have a baseline to start from. Most smartwatches send you alerts upon detecting abnormal results and keep track of readings via a dedicated health app.
Apple Watch
Apple launched its ECG app with the Watch Series 4 model. However, the feature wasn’t immediately available in Australia, pending TGA approval. Now available locally on models including the new Apple Watch Series 10, you can take an ECG at any time by following a few simple steps. It might even help you detect heart conditions like atrial fibrillation.
![Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40-mm] Smartwatch with Aluminum Case with...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41WPJVoTk0L.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SE—All the essentials to help you be motivated and active, keep connected, track…
- CARBON NEUTRAL—Pair any aluminum Apple Watch SE with a Starlight, Midnight, or Winter Blue Sport…
- HEALTH AND SAFETY FEATURES—Get help when you need it with Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and…
![Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45-mm] Smartwatch with Aluminum Case with Midnight...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ikK77gYIL.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 9—Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful….
- CARBON NEUTRAL—Pair an aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 with a Starlight, Midnight, Winter Blue, or…
- ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES—Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications…
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 — Bigger display with up to 30 per cent more screen area. A thinner,…
- ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS — Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have high or low heart…
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — Measure all the ways you move with Activity rings, which are…
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series also offers a comprehensive suite of health features, including ECG monitoring. It is compatible with both Android and Apple iOS phones, making it a smart-looking and versatile choice for users who want to keep track of their health but want that traditional watch look.
- Your body tells a story, and Watch6 helps you listen. With personalised heart rate zone workouts and…
- Connect your Galaxy products. Receive notifications, pay with your watch, access your Galaxy phone…
- Around-the-clock health tracking with a battery that is built to last, so you can get more insight…
- Intelligent Coaching – Push past your personal best with Galaxy AI coaching. Watch7 lets you compete…
- Advanced Tracking – Track your stats while you’re running, swimming, or even sleeping with the…
- Peak Performance – Packed full of next-gen tech, Watch7 features our most powerful processor yet, a…
- KEEP YOUR GOALS ON TRACK: Workout to your full potential with fitness tracking* on Galaxy Watch6;…
- FIND YOUR ZONE: Zone in on the results you want with personalized heart rate zones**; Watch scans…
- SLEEP COACH ON YOUR WRIST: Get the insights to develop better sleep habits with Advanced Sleep…
Google Pixel Watch
Google also supports ECG measurements via its Pixel Watch range. All models, including the latest Google Pixel Watch 3, support ECG readings and irregular heart rhythm notifications, including in Australia.
Common misconception: smartwatches and heart attacks
It’s important to clarify a common misconception. While smartwatches can help detect atrial fibrillation, they cannot detect or predict a heart attack. A heart attack and atrial fibrillation are two completely different conditions with the former involving blocked blood flow to the heart, while the latter is an electrical issue with the heart’s rhythm.
Always seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a heart attack.
Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week is a good reminder to get the facts about heart health. We have potentially life-saving technology on our wrists, so it’s worth knowing how to use them.
Smartwatches are valuable tools in the early detection of atrial fibrillation, empowering wearers to take steps in managing their heart health. However, they should be used as part of a broader health strategy in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and make the most of the technology around your wrist.
GadgetGuy occasionally uses affiliate links and may receive a small commission from purchased products.
The post How a smartwatch ECG can save your life appeared first on GadgetGuy.
0 comments:
Post a Comment