More and more every day I see ads with wearable technology, including rings, watches, necklaces and glasses. Many of these ads include star athletes from all sports. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo has been seen in ads for the WHOOP band. Boston Celtics star, Jaylen Brown, has also been seen promoting a neckband developed by Hapbee. Hapbee, a company that claims their neckband can elevate mood, boost productivity, and aid with sleep through magnetic waves. Additionally, companies like Apple, Fitbit, and WHOOP claim that their wearable technology can detect abnormal heart rhythms, monitor oxygen levels, and recognize critical situations in which a device can alert first responders. But how reliable are these wearable technologies?
Most of these technologies are focusing on heart rhythms and oxygen levels, using these markers to determine other health metrics such as recovery and sleep. To track heart function, smartwatches use LED light technology that measures the blood volume beneath the skin. As our heart pumps with blood, the amount of LED light that is absorbed changes, allowing the device to estimate heart rate and blood volume. Although these technologies can provide some data on heart metrics, it is a common misconception that these technologies can detect a heart attack.
In general, heart attacks occur when a coronary artery is blocked, cutting the oxygen supply to a certain part of heart muscle. In a hospital, a heart attack would normally be diagnosed using an ECG and blood tests to measure levels of troponin, a protein released when there is damage to heart tissues. These extensive tests are far more advanced than any capability a smartwatch may currently carry. However, while a current wearable technology cannot diagnose a heart attack it can often provide warning signs when measuring pulse and blood volume.
Although, wearable technologies may not provide the same detection that a medical device may, they can still be invaluable in emergency situations. For example, in 2022 a hike in Utah suffered a severe fall while hiking in a remote area. His Apple watch detected the fall and sent his GPS coordinates to first responders, potentially saving his life.
Wearable technologies have become a very common accessory and is trusted by many. Although these technologies do offer functions that allow users to monitor their heart function, potentially saving their lives, they should be used with caution. Ultimately, these technologies cannot currently become a substitute for professional medical care.
Graham, M. (2024, August 12). The big name athletes investing in Wearable Tech. Boardroom. https://boardroom.tv/the-big-name-athletes-investing-in-wearable-tech/
Lubitz, S. A., Faranesh, A. Z., Selvaggi, C., Atlas, S. J., McManus, D. D., Singer, D. E., Pagoto, S., McConnell, M. V., Pantelopoulos, A., & Foulkes, A. S. (2022). Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in a Large Population Using Wearable Devices: The Fitbit Heart Study. Circulation, 146(19), 1415–1424. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.060291
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