With the 2024 Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) conference about to kick off in Sydney this week, leading cardiologists are highlighting the importance of a broad approach to heart health, including the use of non-medical wearable tracking devices like fitness watches.
An estimated half a million Australians have an atrial fibrillation (AF), or an irregular pulse or heartbeat.
AF is a major public health issue, costing taxpayers about $1.4 billion in the 2020-21 year, the second-most expensive cardiovascular disease condition in Australia.
Wearable devices like smart watches or Fitbits are capable of identifying AF, which can then be properly investigated by a health professional.
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.
Enabling early identification and better outcomes
“When it comes to heart health management, people often think of implantable devices such as pacemakers,” MQ Health Cardiology clinical academic electrophysiologist associate professor Chrishan Nalliah said.
“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.
“If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia.”
Hearts4heart founder and CEO Tanya Hall said her own AF experience could’ve been vastly improved if she had access to a wearable device that could have detected it earlier.
“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,” Hall explained.
“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.
“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.”
Of over half a million Australians currently experiencing AF, up to 30% may be unaware and undiagnosed.
Even those healthiest among us are not free from risk – excessive exercise, particularly cycling and running, can bring on an atrial fibrillation event.
If this article has raise any concerns, contact your primary healthcare provider for a consultation. You can also find more information about atrial fibrillation at the Hearts4Heart website.