Review

Consumer-grade wearable cardiac monitors: What they do well, and what needs work

Abdilahi Mohamoud, MBBS, Joseph Jensen, MD and Kevin G. Buda, DO
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine January 2024, 91 (1) 23-29; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.91a.23030

ABSTRACT

Consumer-grade smart devices, including smartwatches and smartphones, are potentially valuable tools in detecting cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, and their use is increasing. These devices, which use photoplethys mography, show remarkably high sensitivity and specificity for detection of atrial fibrillation, with implications for stroke prevention and management in at-risk patients. The ability of the devices to detect atrial fibrillation is being compared with single-lead electrocardiography. Physicians will increasingly be asked to interpret data from these nonmedical-grade devices as they become more common. Limitations include high false-positive rates in certain populations and disparities in access.

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  1. Abdilahi Mohamoud, MBBS
  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
  1. Joseph Jensen, MD
  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
  2. Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
  1. Kevin G. Buda, DO⇑
  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
  2. Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
  1. Address:
    Kevin G. Buda, DO, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Hennepin County Medical Center, 925 S. 8th St, G5-125, Minneapolis, MN 55415; Kevin.buda{at}hcmed.org

ABSTRACT

Consumer-grade smart devices, including smartwatches and smartphones, are potentially valuable tools in detecting cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, and their use is increasing. These devices, which use photoplethys mography, show remarkably high sensitivity and specificity for detection of atrial fibrillation, with implications for stroke prevention and management in at-risk patients. The ability of the devices to detect atrial fibrillation is being compared with single-lead electrocardiography. Physicians will increasingly be asked to interpret data from these nonmedical-grade devices as they become more common. Limitations include high false-positive rates in certain populations and disparities in access.

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