Wearable smart devices have become part of everyday life, with smartwatches tracking health parameters such as your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and putting a wide range of health information on your wrist. But having access to these readings does not always mean knowing how to interpret them. Can an unusually high heart rate or an irregular rhythm signal a heart problem, and when should you consult a doctor for the same?
He shared an example of when this feature can be useful: “For instance, someone experiencing intermittent palpitations may record an episode on their watch and share the tracing with their cardiologist. This information can help provide additional context, particularly when the abnormal rhythm is not present during a routine clinic visit.”
Wearable data is best viewed as a trend or pattern rather than an isolated reading. For example, the cardiologist noted that gradual changes in resting heart rate, exercise tolerance, or rhythm patterns over several weeks may be worth discussing with a doctor. Healthcare professionals also look into symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and appropriate tests, such as ECG, echocardiogram, or blood tests, alongside wearable data. So, do not rely on your smartwatch readings alone to assess your heart health. They should complement professional medical evaluation rather than replace it.
