It may sound appealing to people with heart problems: a wristwatch that warns when something is wrong with the heart. Nowadays, these so-called “wearables” (wearable technology) already offer different functions through which the state of the cardiovascular system can be recorded, for example, by measuring heart rate or by making a simple electrocardiogram. But, according to experts, these devices have their limits, especially and precisely when it comes to detecting serious diseases. Therefore, it is always necessary to have a professional when analyzing the data and, if necessary, request further studies. An overview of what smartwatches can do and where their limits are: - Pulse measurement: Using infrared light, the “wearables” perform a pulse analysis, which provides information on heart rate and can thus recognize and document arrhythmias. According to cardiologist Thomas Meinertz, of the scientific advisory board of the German Heart Foundation, the reliability of smartwatches in pulse measurement is above 90 percent and corresponds to the accuracy of a measurement with a chest strap. It should be clarified that, in order for the measurement results to be not erroneous, both the sensor and the wrist must be clean. In addition, the watch should be placed very close to the skin. - Electrocardiogram: To make a one-channel electrocardiogram, the watch measures the electrical impulse of the heartbeat. This is usually done by pressing a sensor and then waiting 30 seconds. The one-channel electrocardiogram has something more informative value than the pure pulse measurement when it comes to arrhythmias. But, Meinertz warns, one should not rely on that alone. Because, for example, a one-channel electrocardiogram cannot detect circulatory disorders. “Therefore, neither Apple Watch nor other smartwatches are appropriate for detecting a heart attack or severe arrhythmias,” Meinertz points out. Therefore, the general advice is: in case of severe chest pains that may be indicative of a heart attack, one should not delay with the smartwatch. In a serious case, valuable time is wasted. The best thing in that situation is to call emergencies directly and let a doctor make the diagnosis. dpa
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