Thanks to new technology, keeping track of heart health is becoming easier. Many people now use smartwatches or blood pressure monitors to stay informed about their heart. However, a recent survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that even though many Americans monitor their heart health, only a few share this information with their doctors.
The survey included 1,008 participants, revealing that about two-thirds regularly use devices to track their heart health. The most popular devices are smartwatches (32%), portable blood pressure monitors (31%), fitness apps (19%), and fitness trackers (13%). Yet surprisingly, only 25% of users discuss their health data with their doctor.
Self-monitoring devices can be very beneficial. For instance, if a patient tracks their blood pressure at home and sees it rising, they might want to consult their doctor sooner. Early detection of issues like irregular heart rhythms can lead to quicker treatment.
Laxmi Mehta, MD, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
Dr. Laxmi Mehta, who is the director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at the center, has seen many patients curious about these health devices. One such patient is 78-year-old Sue VanWassenhove from Upper Arlington. After experiencing some falls, her children gifted her a smartwatch to track her health. Monitoring her heart rate closely, Sue noticed drops and decided to consult Dr. Mehta.
Normal resting heart rates range from 60 to 100 beats per minute but can fluctuate due to various factors, like infections or anxiety. Dr. Mehta advises patients who notice unusual heart rates to reach out to their doctors for further evaluation.
When it comes to exercising, you can figure out your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. For moderate exercise, aim for 50-75% of that number, whereas 70-85% is recommended for vigorous activities. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week to support heart health.
During her visit, Sue learned her smartwatch could perform an EKG, measuring her heart’s electrical signals and sending the results directly to Dr. Mehta through her online medical record.
“Having a smartwatch makes me feel empowered because I take an active role in my health care,” Sue shared. “With my heart issues, it’s vital that I discuss any changes I notice with my doctor.”
The study’s findings indicate a gap between monitoring health and communicating with healthcare providers. Encouraging more open discussions about health data could enhance patient care significantly.
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Doctor, Heart, Blood, Blood Pressure, Cardiology, Exercise, Healthcare, Heart Rate, Research, Technology
