Smartwatches are a popular wearable technology that many people use to track their fitness and monitor their health. However, a recent study has shown that heart pacemaker users should avoid using smartwatches, as they may worsen their condition.
The study which got published in Heart Rhythm has noted that despite the obvious benefits, certain wellness and fitness trackers could pose serious risks among people who are having cardiac implantable electronic devices like implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), pacemakers and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices.
The main reason for concern is that the smartwatches have rings or scales that emit electrical currents, which can interfere with the lifesaving implantable heart devices. These smart wearables may cause malfunctions to the heart devices, which could result in dangerous outcomes.
If you are a fitness enthusiast who loves to wear smartwatches to keep your vitals in check, you need to be cautious. If you are a heart patient, or if you know someone who has a pacemaker installed on their heart or any other cardiac electronic device for heart health, then these wearable devices may inadvertently affect heart health.
The rise of wearable health tech has rapidly grown in recent years, blurring the line between consumer and medical devices. However, the study warns that pacemaker users should avoid wearing smartwatches, as they may interfere with the devices’ functions and cause harm.
“Bioimpedance sensing generated an electrical interference that exceeded Food and Drug Administration-accepted guidelines and interfered with proper CIED functioning,” explained lead investigator Benjamin Sanchez Terrones, from the varsity’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
“Our findings call for future clinical studies examining patients with CIEDs and wearables.”
Benjamin has further emphasised that the results, which has determined through careful simulations and benchtop testing, do not convey an immediate or clear risk to the patients who are wearing the trackers. But there have the different levels emitted could result in pacing interruptions or unnecessary shocks to the heart.
The potential risks associated with using smartwatches for heart pacemaker users are significant. For example, the electrical interference could cause the pacemaker to deliver an inappropriate shock or prevent it from delivering a necessary shock. This could lead to serious health consequences, including heart failure or even death.
Therefore, it is essential that individuals with pacemakers or any other cardiac electronic device speak with their healthcare provider before using any wearable technology. They should also follow the guidelines provided by the device manufacturers and avoid wearing smartwatches or any other devices that emit electrical currents.
The rise of wearable health tech has opened up new possibilities for monitoring and managing our health. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with these devices and to use them responsibly. Heart pacemaker users should take extra precautions and avoid using smartwatches, as they may worsen their condition and cause harm. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
