Wearable devices to monitor your heart health
Monitoring your heart's health has never been easier thanks to wearable technology. Devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers and health monitoring rings can track your heart rate, detect irregular rhythms and alert if something is wrong. By having the information these devices provide, you can make better lifestyle choices that can help you stay healthy and prevent heart-related problems.
Before putting one of these devices on your wish list, review the benefits of using wearables to monitor your heart health so that you can make an informed decision about which device is right for you.
Overview of heart health monitoring wearables
Tracking your heart health is essential for staying healthy and wearable devices make it easier than ever. Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular for tracking heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs.
From smart rings to chest straps, these devices can be used with an app or on their own to track your heart health throughout the day. The data collected from these devices can also be used to identify potential problems or develop strategies for better health outcomes.
"Wearables can be used to better assess and monitor cardiovascular fitness and progression and can be a great way to provide motivation and set goals," says Tal Zivan, MD, cardiologist at Lankenau Heart Institute. "And, if you have cardiovascular risk factors or a history of abnormal heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation, wearables can help monitor any changes so you can take action quickly and improve outcomes."
Wearable technology has become so popular that an increasing number of medical professionals are now recommending them to monitor and track heart health. Wearable devices make it easy to keep track of important health information without having to visit a doctor's office regularly — giving you peace of mind that you're taking care of your body.
"Some devices can automatically send data to your doctor's office, so they can monitor your health without you coming into the office," says Dr. Zivan.
Many wearables come with features like step counters and sleep trackers. These can provide invaluable insight into how active you are throughout the day, which can help you stay motivated. You can use the data to set goals and track your progress over time.
Benefits of using wearables for heart health monitoring
The use of wearables for heart health monitoring is one of the most effective and convenient ways to keep track of your heart rate and blood pressure. Not only do they provide real-time feedback, but they also give users insight into long-term trends in your condition.
Additional benefits of wearable heart health devices include:
- Helping you set achievable goals to stay active and reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life
- Granting peace of mind by alerting you if any unexpected changes occur in your heart rate or blood pressure readings from the comfort of your own home
- Integrating with heartbeat monitor apps and Bluetooth heart sensors for seamless data sharing with your healthcare provider
Types of wearable heart health monitoring devices
Heart monitor bands and straps
Heart rate monitors are one of the most popular types of wearables for monitoring heart health. These trackers measure your real-time heart rate from your wrist or chest. They're used as a tool for:
- Measuring cardiovascular fitness levels
- Detecting irregularities in your heartbeat
Some come with an additional electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, which records the electrical activity of the heart and is capable of detecting arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Blood pressure monitors
Blood pressure monitors measure blood pressure levels from your arm or wrist. They can be used to detect early signs of hypertension or other cardiovascular issues.
Some models also have additional features such as:
- Memory storage capacity for up to 90 readings
- Averaging your total readings over time
- Alerts when your results exceed presets
Fitness trackers
Fitness or activity trackers are ideal for those looking to stay active while monitoring your heart health. Many come with a built-in step counter which typically tracks:
- Total steps taken each day
- Average pace
- Distance traveled
- Calories burned during activities
- Sleep duration and quality
Smartwatches and smart rings
Smartwatches and rings offer the same features as fitness trackers but also come with extra features like:
- GPS tracking capabilities to map out routes while running or cycling outdoors
- Voice control so you can access information handsfree while on the go
Smartwatches can also provide notifications about important events such as incoming calls or texts, so you don't have to constantly check your phone throughout the day.
How to choose best device to monitor your heart health
Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a wearable device for monitoring your heart health. But it's important to take stock of what features matter most to you before making a purchase.
"Consider factors like battery life, waterproof rating (if swimming is part of your routine exercise regimen) and accuracy level before investing in a particular model so that you get exactly what you need to best achieve your goals," says Dr. Zivan.
Factors you may want to take into consideration could include:
- Compatibility with heartbeat tracker apps
- The design of the device:
- Monitoring devices for seniors often prioritize simplicity and clear alerts
- Fitness enthusiasts may prefer excellent smartwatches with GPS and sleep tracking
- Available accessories, such as fashionable straps for smartwatches
- If they incorporated heart rate sensors or ECG
Compare aspects between similar products and don't forget to read customer reviews. You should also consider consulting with your doctor before making a purchase. Your doctor can help ensure that whichever device you opt for fits all your individual requirements perfectly by:
- Advising on medical conditions specific to your heart's health
- Recommending settings for you to enable in your new device, such as resting heart rate or exercise intensity levels
The best wearable device for heart health monitoring
Overall, wearable technology provides an effective way to monitor and track heart health daily.
"It can allow you to take control of your own wellbeing while remaining informed about your body's condition at all times," says Dr. Zivan.
Whether you're looking for more detailed information about your heartbeat or just want an easy way to check up on yourself periodically throughout the day, wearable devices are a wonderful tool to use for monitoring heart health.
Next steps:
Make an appointment with Tal Zivan, MD
Learn more about heart and vascular care at Main Line Health
Understand how heart disease is different in women
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