Can a smart watch detect early risks for certain heart problems?

Smart watches offer more than just checking messages and monitoring physical activity. They can also measure your heart's electrical activity, akin to an electrocardiogram (ECG) done at a medical facility. Traditional ECGs gather data from 12 body points and last around 10-15 seconds, whereas smart watches focus on the wrist. A study by the European Heart Journal: Digital Health (published online on Feb 3, 2023) examined 83,000 healthy individuals aged 50 to 70. These participants underwent a one-lead, 15-second ECG similar to a smart watch's reading. The study followed their health for up to 11 years and revealed that those with premature ventricular contractions in their ECGs were more likely to develop heart failure. Similarly, those with premature atrial contractions had a higher chance of developing atrial fibrillation. This suggests that smart watches could increasingly serve as valuable tools in detecting early signs of heart issues.