Wearable devices could help older people with heart health

Nearly 6% of Australians over the age of 55 are living with atrial fibrillation (AF), otherwise known as an irregular pulse or heartbeat.

AF is a major public health issue. In 2020–21 an estimated $1.4 billion was spent on AF, making it the second most expensive cardiovascular disease condition in Australia. If left untreated, AF can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia.

However, wearable devices such as smart watches can help to identify possible AF symptoms, which can then be further investigated by a healthcare professional.

“When it comes to heart health management, people often think of implantable devices such as pacemakers, but wearable devices like smart watches and fitness trackers can play a critical role in identifying underlying abnormalities of heart rhythm or other health parameters, which can drastically improve the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation,” said Associate Professor Chrishan Nalliah, a clinical academic electrophysiologist with MQ Health Cardiology.

Hearts4heart founder and CEO Tanya Hall said her own experience of AF could have been treated and diagnosed much sooner if she’d had access to a device.

“More than 4.5 million Australians use a fitness tracker to monitor steps, sleep or energy output, but these wearable devices can also be a convenient way to detect heart irregularities. While it’s only an indication, if a wearable device detects an abnormal heartbeat, the user can then visit their GP for a heart check with a stethoscope to determine the reason for the irregularity,” Hall said.

“Hearts4heart research has highlighted that fewer than one in three (27%) people aged 57 or older had heard of atrial fibrillation. Mortality rates related to AF have almost doubled over the last two decades, so being aware of the symptoms of AF is key to early diagnosis, stroke prevention and effective patient management.”

Hall will be speaking at the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference, to be held in Sydney from 26–29 September. The conference will spotlight the latest advancements in electrophysiology and the future technological, clinical and research breakthroughs in the field of arrhythmia, which includes AF.

Anyone experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dizziness, unexplained tiredness, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of the ankles or chest pain should speak with their GP about getting a heart check with a stethoscope.

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