How Smartwatches Transformed My Health and Can Transform Yours Too

Having worn smartwatches for more than ten years, my primary motivation has been their ability to allow me to receive and respond to notifications directly from my wrist. Although I monitored my step count, the health benefits of smartwatches never intrigued me—at least, until an Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch played a crucial role in preserving my health.

Alerts for Elevated Heart Rate

It’s well-known that the Apple Watch includes a heart rate sensor. However, you might be surprised to learn it can alert you whenever your heart rate surpasses or drops below preset limits. This feature is essential, as subtle shifts in heart rate can often go unnoticed.

One day, while waiting in line, my Apple Watch informed me that my heart rate was elevated. At the time, I didn’t realize how critical this notification would be and I brushed it off, much like one might ignore pop-up ads online.

Despite my initial dismissal, I decided to swiftly check my ECG on the Apple Watch, which indicated a sinus rhythm. It’s remarkable how easily one can conduct an ECG on a smartwatch in mere moments, regardless of location. With no signs of abnormal rhythms or atrial fibrillation (AFib), I assumed it was a false alarm and proceeded with my day.

Blood Pressure Tracking

Weeks later, I acquired a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 after transitioning from an iPhone to an Android phone. The Galaxy Watch 4 was recognized as one of the top smartwatches available, equipped with a comprehensive range of health features.

While the Apple Watch provided ECG capabilities, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series elevated the stakes with blood pressure monitoring functionality. This feature is particularly beneficial for older adults or those managing hypertension. I discovered this capability during the watch setup and opted to try it out.

Comparing Smartwatches with Medical Devices

Though I don’t have hypertension myself, I thought it would be a great idea to compare the blood pressure readings from the Galaxy Watch with a traditional sphygmomanometer, especially since my father is hypertensive and we have one at home.

Upon taking my initial reading with the Galaxy Watch, the result indicated elevated blood pressure. Skeptical of the watch’s accuracy, I decided to check it against the sphygmomanometer. To my shock, both devices yielded identical readings. This revelation was both surprising and concerning, prompting me to test my blood pressure again soon after.

After several hours, I retested my blood pressure, only to find the numbers still higher than normal. Realizing I needed to consult a healthcare professional, I scheduled an appointment. The doctor confirmed the high reading using medical-grade equipment, which mirrored the watch’s findings.

At this point, I want to take a moment to commend the blood pressure monitoring accuracy of the Samsung Galaxy Watch.

ECG Capability on Your Wrist

After receiving multiple high readings, I was advised to have an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) performed. I checked the results from the medical-grade device against those from my Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, and found both to be quite comparable. This reassured me that, in non-emergency situations, modern smartwatches can indeed be reliable health allies.

The convenience of being able to take an ECG at home, whenever necessary, proved invaluable. Additionally, the blood pressure monitoring feature eliminated the need for frequent use of dedicated devices. Ultimately, both of these advanced smartwatches greatly simplified my health management—and potentially saved my life.

Better to Prevent Than Cure

While some may argue that wearable health features aren’t entirely reliable, the critical takeaway is that these tools alerted me to underlying health issues. Without those smartwatch notifications, I might have dismissed my elevated heart rate. Had I not activated the blood pressure monitoring, I would have remained oblivious to my concerning levels.

The key factor was the initial alert prompting me to seek medical attention. Delaying that visit could have led to a more serious health crisis, possibly a stroke.

This experience reinforced the importance of regular health checks for my family to prevent unexpected medical issues. Consequently, a reliable smartwatch is now an essential part of my daily routine. Thankfully, my blood pressure has returned to normal levels, but I continue to monitor it and perform ECGs as a precaution.

Gift Smartwatches to Your Loved Ones

Smartwatches have evolved beyond mere step counters or calorie burners; they are profound health management devices that can save lives for you and your loved ones.

Many premium smartwatches now come equipped with fall detection features that notify emergency services and selected contacts if a fall occurs. They also include crash detection for car accidents.

Apple’s latest watchOS now features sleep apnea monitoring, which can also be critical for saving lives. Their new Vitals app anticipates illnesses by observing resting patterns in your body.

When combined with the capabilities of blood pressure monitoring, ECG functions, and heart rate alerts among other features, smartwatches make fantastic gifts for those you care about. They could very well be lifesaving devices.

Disclaimer: Smartwatches are not as precise and dependable as medical equipment, yet they played a vital role in my health journey. Relying solely on smartwatch readings during a medical emergency is unadvisable. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical advice for any concerning symptoms.

All images and screenshots by Sumukh Rao.

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