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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Monitor Watches: Benefits and Limitations
Introduction
Heart monitor watches have become popular tools for tracking heart health in real time. These devices can help detect irregular heart rhythms, monitor heart rate changes, and support people with cardiovascular conditions. However, they have limitations and should not replace medical consultations.
How Do They Work?
Heart monitor watches typically use photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, which measure blood flow changes through light. Some advanced models also have electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality, which can detect arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
Benefits
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Helps track resting and active heart rates.
- Detection of Irregular Rhythms: Some watches can identify abnormal heartbeats.
- Fitness Tracking: Supports exercise by monitoring cardiovascular responses.
- Sleep Tracking: Helps analyze heart rate trends during sleep.
Limitations
- Accuracy Issues: PPG is less accurate than ECG, especially during movement.
- Not a Medical Device: These watches do not replace clinical ECGs.
- False Alarms: They may incorrectly flag normal heart activity as dangerous.
Who Can Benefit?
- People with a history of heart disease (but only with doctor supervision).
- Athletes who monitor cardiovascular performance.
- Individuals interested in general health tracking.
Conclusion
Heart monitor watches can be valuable tools for heart health monitoring but should always be used alongside professional medical advice. If you experience symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat, consult a doctor immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidance on Wearable ECG Devices
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/novel-algorithm-on-wearable-devices-can-detect-irregular-heartbeat-may-prompt-early-care
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.322389
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia/cardiac-event-recorder
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.033750
- https://www.heart.org/
2. European Society of Cardiology Recommendations on Digital Health Monitoring
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjdh/article/5/6/670/7745280
- https://www.escardio.org/
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjdh/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ehjdh/ztae101/7932195
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardio-oncology-guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39563907/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.