Huntsville Hospital

Lewis Diaz

New generations of wearables are arising, driven by consumers' demand to monitor their health. With the ongoing development of new features capable of assessing real-time biometric data, the impact of wearables on cardiovascular management is inevitable.

FREMONT, CA: Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) today's equipment will evolve and increase the bar beyond monitoring and managing the cardiac-related issues, repair, restore, and heal. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases resulted in approximately 17.9 million fatalities every year. Cardiovascular diseases are commonly known as the 'silent epidemic' since they are slow to show symptoms. Also, they are estimated to be one of the most expensive health conditions to treat.

With increasing indications and accessibility to CRM as well as cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) around the world, the number of patients needing CIED follow-ups is subsequently growing. Besides, technological innovations have resulted in the emergence of remote monitoring (RM) as an effective alternative to routine in-office patient care.

CRM devices have substantially surged over the past few decades due to increasing life expectancy and constant technological advancements that have extended their scope and abilities.

Wearable tech in healthcare and its usage potential in cardiology is one of the hottest topics. Fitness trackers and smartwatches are no longer known as the future of medicine. These smart devices can help monitor physical activity and provide personalized dietary recommendations, optimize sleep, and facilitate medication adherence based on various heart parameters.

Recent research demonstrated that the efficiency of smart wearable devices for good screening and detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib). The implementation of photoplethysmography (PPG) technology in wearable equipment like smartwatches and fitness trackers can effectively enhance AFib screening and detection.

Analysts also claim that in the future, the use of technologies will enable patients to keep track of their heart health anywhere. Moreover, the incorporation of AI and other enhanced technologies in CRM equipment will further aid in patients' monitor their cardiac health by observing them and their doctors in case of any abnormal activity.

CRM devices have stood the test of time, and advancement in healthcare will further propel the application outlook of these life-saving products that have kept hearts beating for over half a century.