An Apple or Smart Watch May Pose Risks for Those With Atrial Fibrillation, New Study Reveals
Monitoring your heart health and fitness has never been easier thanks to the variety of trackers and smart watches. However, Apple watches, specifically, and those with atrial fibrillation (a common heart rhythm disorder) may not be the best combination. In fact, a new study reveals that these devices can cause even more serious health concerns. Keep reading to learn about the study results and what you need to know about constant health monitoring.
What is atrial fibrillation?
“Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and often too fast, leading to stagnant blood flow in the atria of the heart,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, ABIM quadruple board-certified physician and medical reviewer for the National Council on Aging. The heart rate abnormality can increase the risk of blood clots, which may result in a stroke.
Due to the seriousness of the condition, it’s not surprising that AFib patients would seek out heart monitors or fitness trackers, a sort of pseudo-medical device that many have turned to for more insight into their health.
According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, “This growing public health problem is costly to individuals (e.g., increased risk of stroke, cognitive dysfunction, heart failure, poor quality of life, hospitalizations, premature death), their communities (e.g., disability‐related job loss), and the health care system (e.g., rising cost of care).”
What did the study reveal about Apple watches and atrial fibrillation?
The study has brought attention to the complicated relationship between Apple watches and atrial fibrillation. The study revealed that while these and other smartwatches may provide comfort for some experiencing an irregular heartbeat and/or AFib, they can also lead to more anxiety, excessive symptom monitoring and frequent doctor visits for others.
With a tech-driven approach to heart monitoring, the study noted that AFib patients who use Apple watches had more symptoms and concerns than AFib patients who don’t wear any devices. Surprisingly, “in response to an irregular rhythm notification likely to be AF, 20 percent reported experiencing intense fear and anxiety,” per the study.
More people are also turning to informal healthcare resources such as clinics or talking to healthcare professionals through patient portals, possibly contributing to increased stress in the long term. “This increased communication, though beneficial for physician-patient engagement, could be contributing to an already overburdened healthcare system,” says Dr. Dasgupta.
The study findings aren’t all negative
While these findings may be alarming, it’s important to recognize that the study also had positive results. Many AFib patients did report feeling safer while wearing their smart devices.
Dr. Dasgupta adds that the “potential for early detection of serious heart rhythm issues shouldn’t be discounted” regarding the study results.
Why is the connection between Apple watches and atrial fibrillation important?
“Given the significant increase in use of wearable devices in this patient group (and the population in general), we believe prospective studies and randomized trials are needed to understand the net effects of wearables – including their alerts – on patients’ healthcare use and psychological well‐being, as well as the downstream effects on providers, hospitals, and health systems,” Lindsay Rosman, PhD, the leader of the study, said in a statement.
Wearable technology like this continues to be tested and incorporated into more healthcare practices. Overall, it can be beneficial to those with atrial fibrillation, or it can be harmful in some cases.
For more regarding heart health:
How to Prevent Heart Disease: These 5 MD-Backed Shortcuts Are Too Easy Not to Try
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
