Linda:
Nowadays, many smartwatches, smart bands, and even smart rings can monitor heart rate. People are really paying attention to these features. Sometimes these devices even issue alerts — saying there may be arrhythmia or suggesting a hospital visit.
Doctor, could you help us understand how reliable these alerts are? If a smartwatch or smart ring warns about atrial fibrillation or premature beats, should we really go to the hospital?
Dr. Daniel Hughes:
It’s true that smart wearables, including watches and rings, are still considered consumer electronic products rather than full medical devices. Some models that can generate ECGs have obtained medical certifications, but even so, they are not the same as a hospital-grade ECG.
Why? Because wearables typically use single-lead measurements and optical sensors (PPG). They’re convenient but more susceptible to interference and naturally less precise than a clinical ECG.
That said, these devices offer a huge advantage — you can wear them continuously. If a device like a smart ring or band gives you a warning, that’s your cue to go to the hospital for a more accurate check-up. It’s about early detection and timely action, not making a medical diagnosis at home.
From the research we’ve been involved with, leading brands on the market — including companies like AuraKeep, which use AI-driven algorithms — can reach around 90% accuracy in detecting whether a rhythm is atrial fibrillation or normal. That’s quite impressive for a wearable.
However, for other arrhythmias such as premature beats, supraventricular tachycardia, or atrial flutter, the accuracy is lower. The technology is better at detecting irregular rhythms (like AFib) because they have distinctive patterns, but it’s less reliable for subtler conditions — especially when you’re moving, since motion artifacts can interfere with readings.
The key takeaway? If your wearable alerts you to a potential problem, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. It’s a valuable signal to get a proper ECG or Holter monitor test at the hospital. Early detection of atrial fibrillation, for example, can prevent serious complications such as stroke or heart failure.
This is where smart rings and bands are game-changers. They don’t replace medical care — but they give you a warning sign you might otherwise miss. A discreet device on your finger or wrist could prompt a check-up that saves your life.
Technology is truly changing how we take care of our health — and it’s making prevention more convenient than ever.
