Wearable health devices generate continuous physiological data enabling unprecedented monitoring capabilities. Understanding wearable technology applications helps clinicians leverage patient-generated health data effectively.
Consumer Wearables in Clinical Care
Smartwatches and fitness trackers provide valuable health data. Heart rate monitoring detects arrhythmias—Apple Watch and similar devices have FDA approval for atrial fibrillation detection. Activity tracking assesses functional capacity and rehabilitation progress. Sleep monitoring identifies sleep disorders. Blood oxygen monitoring screens for sleep apnea and respiratory conditions. However, consumer devices have limitations—understand accuracy, false positive rates, and appropriate clinical applications. Not all abnormal readings require intervention.
Medical-Grade Wearable Monitors
Specialized medical devices offer enhanced capabilities. Continuous glucose monitors revolutionized diabetes management providing real-time glucose data and trend alerts. Cardiac patches provide extended rhythm monitoring detecting paroxysmal arrhythmias. Ambulatory blood pressure monitors assess hypertension patterns. Remote patient monitoring devices track chronic disease indicators enabling proactive intervention. These devices improve chronic disease management and reduce hospitalizations through early problem identification.