Wearable devices like smartwatches are marketed as tools to help people monitor their health and quickly address any symptoms.
For those with atrial fibrillation (Afib), these devices can track heart rate and alert users to irregular heartbeats.
However, a new study suggests that these devices might not be as beneficial as they seem for Afib patients.
The study, led by Lindsay Rosman, Ph.D., from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It is the first to show that wearable devices can significantly increase anxiety and healthcare use among Afib patients.
Researchers included 172 patients from UNC Health who had been diagnosed with Afib. These patients completed surveys, and their information was linked to electronic health records.
About half of them used wearable devices, while the other half did not.
The study found that Afib patients using wearables were more preoccupied with their heart symptoms and more concerned about their treatment. They also used healthcare resources more frequently than those without wearables.
The study showed that wearable device users were more likely to call clinics and send messages to their healthcare providers. Additionally, one in five Afib patients using wearables experienced intense fear and anxiety in response to notifications about irregular heart rhythms.
About 20% regularly contacted their doctors when their device indicated an abnormal ECG or potential Afib, even though it was unclear if these alerts warranted medical attention.
The study suggests that the anxiety caused by these notifications might worsen symptoms. Anxiety is a well-documented factor that can exacerbate various health conditions, including Afib.
This increase in anxiety could lead to more frequent and possibly unnecessary interactions with healthcare providers.
Dr. Rosman emphasized the need for further research. “Given the significant increase in use of wearable devices in this patient group (and the population in general),” she said, “we believe prospective studies and randomized trials are needed to understand the net effects of wearables—including their alerts—on patients’ healthcare use and psychological well-being, as well as the downstream effects on providers, hospitals, and health systems.”
In conclusion, while wearable devices can provide valuable health monitoring, they may also lead to increased anxiety and healthcare use among Afib patients.
Further studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of these devices, ensuring they support, rather than hinder, patient well-being.
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The research findings can be found in Journal of the American Heart Association.
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