Smartwatches have the potential to be lifesavers. A prime example is my colleague, Nirave Gondhia, who shared his experience of suffering a heart attack at just 33 years old. His Apple Watch played a crucial role in his recovery and was indispensable during his emergency treatment.
However, not everyone is utilizing smartwatches to their fullest potential. According to a survey conducted by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, only 25% of Americans who own smartwatches for health monitoring share their data with their healthcare provider.
“If individuals are tracking their blood pressure at home and observe an upward trend, they should consider discussing it with their physician before their annual check-up,” states Dr. Laxmi Mehta, a cardiology expert. “Similarly, if they detect irregular heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation, through their devices, it may be beneficial to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.”

The results are quite revealing, given that many individuals rely on smartwatches to track vital health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. The survey highlighted that smartwatches have become the leading option among users employing external devices for health tracking.
Dr. Mehta, who holds the Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair for Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research, emphasizes that sharing heart activity data with medical professionals is a paramount step that could determine the need for medical intervention.
Modern smartwatches now do much more than just monitor heart rates. For instance, the Apple Watch not only performs ECG tests but also alerts users to irregular heart activity, which might indicate conditions such as Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

Devices from manufacturers like Fitbit, Apple, and Samsung frequently appear in academic studies, contributing to ongoing research advancements.
Recently, a research team analyzed data from over 5,000 Fitbit users and determined that biomarkers obtained from smartwatches could help forecast psychiatric disorders and link them to genetic predispositions.
Smartwatches are also advantageous in emergencies. The Apple Watch, for example, incorporates a Medical ID feature, displaying crucial information—like age, blood type, allergies, and existing medical conditions—right on the lock screen, enabling emergency responders to make informed decisions during urgent situations.