Smartwatches have quietly changed how millions of people track their heart health, often without a single trip to the doctor's office. But, is that the smartest move? Or, could there be some risks in relying on this type of technology?
Suneet Mittal, MD, Chair of the Cardiovascular Service Line at Valley Health System, explains how wearable technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping cardiac care, and what patients should understand about their limits.
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A shift from episodic to continuous heart monitoring
Heart monitoring used to happen only during scheduled office visits; brief snapshots that could easily miss intermittent problems. Wearables have changed that entirely.
“For the first time we can capture heart rhythm data during sleep, exercise, stress, as well as normal routines,” states Dr. Mittal. This continuous window into daily life has made patients more engaged in their own health and given clinicians a better chance of catching rhythm issues that might otherwise slip through the cracks.
How accurate are wearables, really?
Many wearable devices perform impressively well for what they are designed to do, particularly in detecting atrial fibrillation through single-lead ECGs and optical heart rate sensors. But, Dr. Mittal is clear about their role.
“They are screening tools, not diagnostic tools,” he explains. Multi-lead ECGs, longer-term monitors, imaging, and clinical context remain essential for confirming a diagnosis. The real value of a wearable, he says, is that “it tells us when to look more closely.”
What to do when your watch flags something
An irregular heartbeat alert deserves attention – but not panic. “An alert is simply a signal, not a diagnosis,” Dr. Mittal reinforces. Many alerts turn out to be related to motion, caffeine, stress, or a poor sensor connection.
Still, patients who receive repeated alerts, or who experience symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort, should share that information with a healthcare provider. Used thoughtfully, these alerts can lead to earlier and more informed intervention.
Where wearables excel – and where they fall short
Wearables are particularly strong at spotting atrial fibrillation, sustained periods of abnormally low or high heart rate, and general rhythm irregularities – conditions where recognizing patterns over time is valuable. But, they have real limitations.
More complex arrhythmias, subtle conduction system abnormalities, and the full electrical picture of the heart remain outside their reach. Wearables also cannot explain why an arrhythmia is occurring. That still requires clinical evaluation, imaging, and sometimes more invasive testing.
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in heart care
The sheer volume of data generated by wearables would overwhelm any human reviewing it manually. This is where AI plays a critical role. “AI helps us by identifying meaningful patterns, filtering out noise, and prioritizing data that truly matters,” notes Dr. Mittal. In practice, that means fewer false alarms and more efficient use of clinical time. Importantly, he emphasizes that AI does not replace physicians. It augments their ability to deliver timely, personalized care.
Benefits and tradeoffs of remote cardiac monitoring
The advantages of remote heart monitoring are significant: earlier detection, greater convenience, and care built around real-world data rather than isolated snapshots. Yet, there are tradeoffs too. Information overload, unnecessary anxiety from alerts, and unequal access to technology are all real concerns.
“Technology always works best when it's paired with guidance and human connection,” Dr. Mittal advises, underscoring why thoughtful integration into clinical care matters just as much as the technology itself.
Looking ahead: Predictive and preventive heart care
Dr. Mittal is most excited about where this technology is headed next; a future where wearable data, AI, imaging, and clinical history combine to identify risk before symptoms even appear. This shift toward predictive, preventive care could be especially powerful for conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and inherited rhythm disorders. “The ultimate goal isn't just detecting disease,” he offers. “It's improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for our patients.”
The human element still matters most
Despite the rapid pace of technological advancement, Dr. Mittal offers a grounding reminder. “Technology is giving us better tools, but it's really the partnership between patients and clinicians that turn those tools into better care.”
If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, do not wait. Talk to your doctor. For more information and resources, visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart.
About the Author
Dr. Suneet Mittal is the Chair of the Cardiovascular Service Line for Valley Health System.
