It's hard not to notice the growing popularity of smart watches. In the United States alone, every fourth resident wears them, and manufacturers are rubbing their hands – by 2026 the number of users is expected to exceed 100 million. Still, doctors keep their distance from the revolution on our wrists.
Great motivator, poor diagnostician
“Don't get me wrong – smartwatches can be great at motivating you to exercise,” says Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency medicine specialist and professor at George Washington University, in an interview with CNN. And in fact – research shows that people who, thanks to such a watch, keep track of at least 9-10 thousand steps a day, significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and premature death.
The problem arises when we start treating the smartwatch as a personal doctor. “What worries me the most is when patients with chest pain check their watch first instead of calling for help,” admits Dr. Wen. “No smartwatch can replace professional diagnostics.”
What can our watches really do?
Manufacturers are competing with each other in adding new health functions. Some of them, like atrial fibrillation detection, have actually received medical certification. However, it is worth remembering that this only applies to selected models and a specific group of users.
The situation with measuring saturation, not to mention glucose levels, is much worse. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) recently this year issued a serious warning against the use of smartwatches to monitor blood sugar. For diabetics, relying on inaccurate measurements can be downright dangerous.
Where does a smartwatch work best?
Not in the doctor's office, but in training. Runners and triathletes love these devices for quite precise heart rate monitoring during exercise. Additionally, there is tracking of pace, distance and cadence – everything you need for professional training. Sleep analysis is also interesting. Heart rate variability during sleep can also indicate whether the body is recovering properly.
Common sense above all
The smartwatch is perfect as a daily motivator for exercise or a training aid. It may even signal certain irregularities in the functioning of the heart. However, it should not replace professional diagnostics.
Most sensible? Treat him like a personal trainer, not a doctor. And if in doubt, always consult a specialist – a real one, not an electronic one.