Wearable health devices have come a long way from simply counting steps. Today, these gadgets can track a wide range of health data, from heart rate to sleep quality.
Now, researchers want to know if the information collected by these everyday devices can help spot early warning signs of serious heart problems before they become life-threatening.
A team at The University of Texas at Arlington has started a two-year study to find out whether fitness trackers can be used to predict a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The project began on August 1 and is supported by a $400,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. What makes this research exciting is that it will use fitness trackers and smart devices that many people already own, rather than expensive or complex hospital machines.
The study is led by Dr. Yue Liao, an assistant professor of kinesiology, along with colleagues Dr. Christine Spadola, an assistant professor of social work; Dr. Souvik Roy, an associate professor of mathematics; and Dr. Matthew Brothers, a professor of kinesiology.
Together, they will collect and study data on people’s daily activity levels, sleeping patterns, and blood pressure.
Dr. Liao explains that the main aim is to see if advanced computer models can use this data to predict heart disease or problems with blood vessels before symptoms appear.
This is important because cardiovascular disease is often called a “silent killer.” It develops slowly over time and many people don’t realize they are at risk until they experience a major health event, like a heart attack or stroke.
One unique feature of this study is its strong focus on sleep. Sleep is a vital part of overall health, but its link to heart disease is often ignored.
The researchers will not only look at how long participants sleep or what stages of sleep they experience, but also at continuous measures such as heart rate and blood pressure during the night. These details may reveal hidden risks that are not obvious during the day.
Dr. Spadola adds that interpreting sleep data in ways that connect to people’s real lives is key. It’s not just about numbers, but about how sleep quality affects daily energy, mood, and heart health.
Another goal of the project is to create a machine-learning model—an advanced type of computer program—that can analyze the massive amount of data gathered by these devices.
This model could identify patterns linked to the early stages of cardiovascular disease. If successful, it would mean doctors and patients could take action long before serious symptoms appear.
One big advantage of using wearable devices is accessibility. Because the study relies on gadgets that are already available to the public, the approach could be easily adopted by many people. Participants won’t need to visit labs or use uncomfortable equipment; they can simply wear the devices as they go about their normal lives.
The long-term hope is that doctors could one day detect early signs of heart disease using only data from fitness trackers. This could make screening easier, cheaper, and more effective, especially for people who might not visit the doctor regularly.
Reviewing the study’s goals, it’s clear this research could help shift healthcare from being reactive to proactive. By catching early signals of heart problems, people could make lifestyle changes—such as improving sleep habits, exercising more, or managing stress—before serious damage is done.
However, it’s important to note that this study will take two years to complete, and further research will be needed to confirm how accurate and reliable these predictions are.
If the results are promising, wearable devices could become a powerful tool in preventing one of the world’s leading causes of death. In the future, your fitness tracker might do much more than tell you how many steps you’ve taken—it might help save your life.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about a new cause of heart rhythm disorders and eating just one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables daily can reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please read studies about blood thinners that may not prevent stroke in people with heartbeat problems and this diabetes drug may protect heart health in older veterans.
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