Whether it be used in surgeries, testing, or monitoring, technology seems to have taken over the healthcare industry. More specifically, wearable technology that allows consumers to track their health has become increasingly popular. While the most common piece of health-related wearable technology is a smart watch, there are many other forms, including more complex devices that can monitor your health, such as ECG (electrocardiogram) monitors, blood pressure monitors, and other biosensors. Read on to learn more about current wearable devices and how they can promote wellbeing and good health.
• Smart Watch: Smart watches have sensors to keep track of your heart rate and physical activity. Throughout the day, the person wearing the watch can even receive reminders to move and take moments of mindfulness. They can also be used to track workouts and see how many steps one has taken throughout the day1.
• Move ECG: As technology continues to advance, so do the types of wearable medical devices. One of the more complex monitors is called the Move ECG, which has the ability to conduct electrocardiograms (measures rhythm of heartbeat and electrical activity through the different parts of the heart)2 and measure atrial fibrillation (heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync with its lower chambers)3. With this information, the device can send the results to the wearer’s doctor. Similar to a smart watch, this device can also track exercise, pace, distance, and elevation1.
• HeartGuide™: Another interesting piece of wearable medical technology is the HeartGuide. Released in 2019, HeartGuide was the first blood pressure monitor that could be worn like a watch. This device measures not only blood pressure, but also daily activity. The monitor corresponds with an app that can provide the user with details of their health data to keep track of and to share with their doctor. Another interesting feature that comes along with this device is its ability to provide users with insights on how to improve personal health habits that can contribute to improving blood pressure1.
• Biosensors: Biosensors, unlike smart watches, do not detect your health from your wrist. A biosensor is typically an adhesive patch you wear on your skin. This device has the ability to track heart rate, movement, temperature, and respiratory rate. A study done by the Augusta University Medical Center found that this device in particular “registered an 89% reduction in patient deterioration into preventable cardiac or respiratory arrest”1.
The last few years have presented amazing progress in regard to technology, and more specifically, healthcare technology. With something as simple as a watch or a patch, you can track important health data that can not only provide you with current health information, it can also help you improve your health. And as time goes on, technology will only continue to improve the healthcare industry and how we keep track of our own health.
Sources:
1: https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/wearable-technology-healthcare-medical-devices/