The number of cardiovascular cases is increasing day by day. Arterial fibrillation is one of the major heart issues. Arrhythmia is a life-threatening health condition.

Doctors use ECG or EKG tests in hospitals for the detection of abnormalities. Some people experience mild signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Therefore, regular monitoring is important for an active and healthy lifestyle.

Smartwatches have a solution for regular detection of heart rate. The sensors in wearables enable you to measure the rhythm in seconds.

Smartwatches are essential fitness gadgets for your overall health being. The continuous tracking gives you an idea of your workout sessions and their effect on your body.

This article will focus on the use of smartwatches for atrial fibrillation detection.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm. The condition is lethal as it can form clots, and cause stroke and heart attack.

Our heart needs electrical impulses for continuous pumping and supply of blood to different body parts. The abnormality in the normal functioning of heart tissues and electrical impulses causes atrial fibrillation.

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary from person to person. Some people experience all symptoms and others go through mild signs of the condition.

Here are some of the common symptoms of atrial fibrillation:

• Lack of energy
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Discomfort
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty in exercise

You should visit a doctor upon encountering these symptoms for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Smartwatches for Atrial Fibrillation Detection

Here are some of the best smartwatches for atrial fibrillation detection.

1.    Withings scanwatch

Withings scanwatch has a classical traditional watch look with health features installed in it. The AMOLED display and stainless steel frame speak for the durability of the wearable. You can take it swimming – it offers water resistance up to 50 meters.

One of the outstanding features is its battery life. The website claims battery life to be 30 days which is impressive compared to other smartwatches.

It has a 3-axis accelerometer, heart rate, and SpO2 sensors. It has FDA approval for ECG and SpO2 sensors – which increase its credibility. The ECG sensors are known for the detection of any abnormality in the heart and thus prove beneficial in Afbril detection.

The Health Mate app increases user experience by offering tons of health and fitness features. It gives insights into data and areas of improvement.

2.    Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 7 is compatible with iOS devices. It has an LTPO OLED display with 1000 nits brightness to make it user-friendly during sunny days.

The 32GB storage capacity gives ample space to keep track of fitness activities. It offers water resistance of up to 5m and a battery life of up to 18 hours. It has a clear resolution of 396 by 484 pixels.

The built-in ECG sensors are known for the accurate results. These sensors record any abnormality and inform the user of their health. The ECG sensor for heart monitoring is FDA-approved.

The fall detection feature takes care of the user’s safety. If the user falls – the apple smartwatch informs the emergency number. This feature is highly beneficial for heart patients as they are more susceptible to a heart attack.

3.    Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has a sophisticated, decent look. It is super AMOLED, always on display. It has an Aluminium frame with gorilla glass protection. The smartwatch is compatible with Android devices.

The battery life of the smartwatch is 1-2 days. It enables Bluetooth and cellular connectivity for health data monitoring.

The sensors in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 are an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, etc. It also monitors heart rate and tells about atrial fibrillation through heart rate sensors.

The health monitor app analyses sleep performance, BMI, stress level, heart condition, body temperature blood saturation, etc.

4.    Fitbit Smartwatch

Fitbit smartwatch is compatible with iOS devices. It has a digital square-shaped display. It has 5ATM water resistance. Its 6-day battery life makes it one of the best choices for health monitoring.

The ECG sensors are built-in within the smartwatch. These sensors provide continuous ECG monitoring even during your sleep.  In addition, the smartwatch detects heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress levels throughout the day.

The smartwatch connects with the Fitbit app to enhance your fitness experience. You will receive notifications on the smartwatch to keep you up to date.

It gathers and analyzes the data to give you a report of your tracking activities. You can share fitness reports with close friends, family members, and doctors for consultation.

5.    Google Pixel Watch

Google Pixel watch has a sleek design with a premium finish – the stylish band adds to its beauty. The smartwatch is lightweight (36g) and comfortable for everyday use.

It has a stainless steel frame with gorilla glass protection. The wearable is compatible with Android devices. It has a built-in GPS and NFC to track outdoor activities.

Many Google apps work on the smartwatch. It connects with Google Pay for easy transactions. The Google Fit app works with the smartwatch for health features.

The Google Pixel watch gives active zone minutes and detects heart rate and atrial fibrillation through ECG sensors. It has a fall detection feature like the Apple smartwatch for user safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Why atrial fibrillation is so dangerous?

The heart does not pump properly which causes poor blood supply in the body. The chances of clot formation and heart attack increase in atrial fibrillation – that’s why it’s life-threatening.

2.    Name some smartwatches for atrial fibrillation detection.

Some of the trusted smartwatches for atrial fibrillation detection are:

• Fitbit sense 2
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
• Fitbit Charge 5
• Google Pixel watch
• Withings can watch

3.    Are smartwatches an alternative to hospital tests for atrial fibrillation detection?

Many smartwatches are FDA-approved for atrial fibrillation detection. But, still, we can’t say that it’s an alternative to medical equipment. The wearables are good for monitoring heart health daily. Patients with complications should seek medical help.