Do cardiologists recommend smartwatches?
MedStar Health cardiologists and primary care providers see data from these devices every day. Their perspective is clear: smartwatches are a valuable tool for promoting activity and heart-health awareness. But they should be used in addition to, not a replacement for, a medical evaluation. It’s important to clarify that a smartwatch does not replace traditional blood pressure monitors, but it can help identify trends and patterns that may indicate hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure).A study by the prestigious American College of Cardiology (ACC) found that overall, smart watches are very sensitive and specific in detecting AFib. This is particularly useful to patients who already have symptoms of AFib and want to monitor their heart rates.
What are the health risks of a smart watch?
While generally considered safe, some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to electromagnetic waves from electronic devices could have long-term health effects. Excessive use of wearables may also lead to technology dependency, potentially altering one’s perception of their body or physical sensations. According to studies, the EMF exposure from smartwatches is significantly lower than that of smartphones. Devices like laptops and Wi-Fi routers also emit similar levels of radiation, which are generally considered safe for daily use.
Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch?
With most connected smartwatches, you can still make calls, send texts and receive app notifications, even if your phone is turned off or left at home. If you have an LTE model, you can make calls directly from the watch without being connected to your phone.