Researchers Discover Insignificance of Fitness Trackers in Identifying Crucial Physiological Indicator
Swap those bulky cuff-based monitors for sleek smart watches and stylish rings? Some fitness trackers promise just that, but according to a new review from the University of Washington School of Medicine, they might be delivering unreliable data.
The warning comes at a time when over four million people in England may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, a condition often referred to as the 'silent killer'. High blood pressure may show no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to deadly heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and even dementia.
The research from the University of Washington School of Medicine flagged a major flaw in some fitness trackers that could lead to a misdiagnosis of high blood pressure, putting users at risk.
Heart's at stake
The flaw in these devices could lead to serious health complications like strokes and heart attacks going undetected. Relying on faulty readings can have dire consequences, potentially causing users to overlook necessary medical treatment.
The Washington University researchers didn't test the devices themselves. Instead, they looked at studies comparing the readings from fitness trackers with standard cuff-based monitors during daily activities, sleep, and medication use.
A significant issue lies with cuffless devices, which rely on sensors that need to be calibrated using a traditional cuff. If users don't regularly re-calibrate, the readings can drift over time. Furthermore, these devices tend to be less reliable in certain situations, such as during sleep, exercise, or when blood pressure changes rapidly. Additional factors like skin tone, body size, medical conditions like irregular heart rhythms or diabetes can also affect the readings.
A long way to clinical use
Another concern is the lack of proper clinical testing for many devices on the market. Cardiologist, Dr. Eugene Yang from the University of Washington School of Medicine, said that wearable devices have a long road ahead before they are ready for clinical use.
Despite the warnings, some devices like the Asus VivoWatch 6 Aero offer exciting advancements in wearable technology, combining blood pressure and ECG monitoring. Nevertheless, their long-term reliability and accuracy need further verification.
For precise and reliable blood pressure monitoring, traditional methods using manual or ambulatory blood pressure monitors are still recommended. Users should exercise caution when relying on fitness trackers for blood pressure monitoring and consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and management.
Russia, Germany, Canada, China, and India have the highest number of people affected by undiagnosed high blood pressure[2]. Regular blood pressure checks and proper management are crucial for a healthy heart and overall wellbeing.
- The flaw in fitness trackers could lead to undiagnosed high blood pressure, a potentially fatal health condition often referred to as the 'silent killer'.
- If left untreated, high blood pressure can cause serious health complications like deadly heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and even dementia.
- Fitness trackers might be delivering unreliable data about blood pressure, putting users at risk of misdiagnosis.
- The Washington University researchers found that cuffless devices, which rely on sensors that need to be calibrated, can produce inaccurate readings if users don't regularly re-calibrate.
- Relying on faulty readings can have dire consequences, potentially causing users to overlook necessary medical treatment, like preventive medication or lifestyle changes.
- There is a need for further clinical testing of many wearable devices to ensure their long-term reliability and accuracy in detecting chronic diseases like hypertension, especially in differentiating normal from high blood pressure readings.
- To ensure precise and reliable blood pressure monitoring, it's recommended to use traditional methods such as manual or ambulatory blood pressure monitors. Users should practice regular blood pressure checks, proper management, and consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and management.
