Article by:
Julie Corliss
For some people, getting an alert about an irregular heart rhythm triggers anxiety. Make a game plan with your doctor to avert this problem.
Millions of Americans have atrial fibrillation (afib) — a rapid, irregular heart rhythm that raises the risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke and heart failure.
Now that several smart watches feature apps that can detect possible bouts of afib (see "Smart watches that spot afib"), growing numbers of people with the condition are using these devices to keep tabs on their condition. But is that actually a good idea?
A study in the Aug. 6, 2024, issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association highlighted some possible pitfalls from the practice. Compared to afib patients who didn't use smart watches, those who did were more likely to become preoccupied with monitoring their condition. And while most users said the device made them feel safe, one in five reported intense anxiety when they received alerts about their heart rhythm.
Smart watches that spot afib
To date, the FDA has cleared four wrist-worn devices capable of detecting afib: the Apple Watch Series 4 and later, the Fitbit Sense 2, the Samsung Galaxy Watch3, and the Withings ScanWatch. Each works by flashing a light on the skin of your inner wrist to detect blood flow, measuring your heart rate, and using an algorithm to check for abnormal rhythms. The device takes either periodic or continuous measurements, sending an alert if it detects an irregular rhythm. You can also open an app on the device to record an on-demand electrocardiogram — a 30-second recording of your heart rhythm that can reveal possible afib.
Screening vs. monitoring
For starters, she doesn't recommend relying on a smart watch for anyone who has not been diagnosed but has symptoms suggestive of afib, which include a fluttering sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. "For those people, we start with standard monitors, which are covered by insurance," Dr. Tedrow says. These typically include chest-worn patches that track your heart rhythm for two to four weeks.
About 30% of Americans use wearable devices like smart watches or fitness bands to track their fitness and overall health. But among the general population, the risk of afib is quite low and the episodes are often brief and fleeting (see "Afib: Defined by its duration"). As a result, using these devices to screen people for afib isn't practical.
However, for people with known afib, smart watch monitoring may be informative, says Dr. Tedrow. If you already own one of these devices, using it to track the frequency and duration of your afib episodes might help inform your doctor's advice. Ask him or her what — if anything — you should do when you have a bout of afib, including whether you can share the data from your device. Don't hesitate to disable the afib notifications if you find they make you feel anxious, says Dr. Tedrow....Read full article
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