Smartwatches for Arrhythmia Detection and Management

To provide the reader with an overview of how smartwatches may be used for arrhythmia detection, diagnosis, and management.

Various rhythm-monitoring wearable devices are currently available in the consumer market. Studies are ongoing to evaluate the impact of smartwatches in clinical decision making and cardiovascular outcomes. Recognizing their consumer friendliness and potential for long-term rhythm monitoring, clinical practice guidelines acknowledge the utility of smartwatches in specific clinical scenarios and potential for expanded use cases in the future.

Smartwatches have excellent accuracy for detection of atrial fibrillation, but are not yet validated for use in management of other types of arrhythmias. Clinician involvement is paramount to differentiate clinically relevant arrhythmias from noise and to guide management strategies such as anticoagulation when atrial fibrillation is diagnosed. Future research should be directed towards assessing the impact of smartwatches on clinical decision making and outcomes among diverse patient groups.