The evolution of smartwatches has ushered in a new era of personalized health monitoring. Many of these devices now come equipped with an electrocardiogram (ECG) function, allowing wearers to independently record their heart rate.
This was the case for Val Chaban, a retired law enforcement officer from Lodi, who noticed that he frequently experienced a subtle but persistent feeling of throbbing in his chest after his routine workouts.
“I was sitting or lying down and I felt palpitations,” Val explained. “This became very worrying for me, so I started checking my heart rate on my smart watch.”
For Val, this technology was a crucial breakthrough. Her smartwatch detected an elevated heart rate, signaling her to contact her healthcare team, including Uday Sandhu, MDelectrophysiologist at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group in Stockton.
“I was able to present very clear information to my doctor,” Val said. “Being able to show my doctor exactly what was happening with the data was empowering. »
This real-time information provided by Val’s device provided a valuable basis for Dr. Sandhu to diagnose Val with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or an abnormally fast heart rate. Use a minimally invasive product ablation procedureDr. Sandhu and his team were able to restore the heart’s normal rhythm, allowing Val to return to her usual life, including her workout routine.
Smartwatches can detect AFib
Dr. Sandhu has seen an increase in patients showing alerts and data from their smartwatches. In addition to detecting an elevated heart rate, these wearable monitors have the potential to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that causes the heart to beat too fast or too slowly.
Early detection of atrial fibrillation means treatment can begin early, reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Still, Dr. Sandhu cautions against relying exclusively on smart devices.
“Be sure to see your doctor regularly,” Dr. Sandhu said. “Always mention sensations of fluttering or skipped beats, even if your smart device hasn’t detected anything unusual. »
See a doctor if you have any of these signs of an irregular heartbeat:
- Palpitations/floating sensations
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed
- Fainting
- Pounding in your chest
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Anxiety
When monitoring your heart rate, consult your doctor if:
- You have a high heart rate that lasts more than a few minutes at rest
- You have a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute at rest
- You or your device detects an irregular rhythm
Val’s experience highlights the potential life-saving capabilities of smartwatch technology when it comes to heart health monitoring. Through vigilant self-monitoring, he was able to detect and resolve a concerning issue with his heart rhythm. The data provided by his smartwatch allowed him to have a productive conversation with his healthcare team, ultimately leading to a diagnosis and effective treatment.
Dr Sandhu emphasizes the importance of early detection, especially for atrial fibrillar conditions, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. While smartwatches are valuable tools, they should complement, not replace, regular visits with a healthcare team. Any unusual symptoms, such as floating sensations, fast or irregular heartbeat, should be promptly discussed with a doctor, even if they have not been detected by a smart device.