A recent national survey revealed that although many Americans track their heart health with devices, only a few discuss this information with their doctors.
With the rise of technology, it’s become much simpler for individuals to keep tabs on their heart health, whether through a smartwatch on their wrist, a blood pressure monitor, or other devices. Nevertheless, a national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center shows that while a significant number of Americans use these devices, only a small fraction share the collected data with their healthcare providers.
The survey, which involved 1,008 Americans, indicated that nearly two-thirds regularly use a device to monitor their heart health. The most commonly used devices include smartwatches (32%), portable blood pressure monitors (31%), fitness apps (19%), and wearable fitness trackers (13%). Among those employing these devices, only 25% initiate conversations about their heart health with their doctors using the data collected.
“These self-monitoring devices provide valuable assistance to both patients and healthcare providers, as they can help identify issues at an early stage. For instance, if someone observes a gradual increase in their blood pressure readings at home, they might want to consult their doctor sooner, rather than postponing it until their next yearly appointment. Additionally, individuals may detect irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, before a formal diagnosis could be made during a doctor’s visit,” stated Laxmi Mehta, MD, who is the director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, as well as the Sarah Ross Soter Endowed Chair for Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research.
Mehta mentioned that patients are increasingly inquiring about the advantages and disadvantages of health self-monitoring devices. One patient, Sue VanWassenhove, 78, from Upper Arlington, received a smartwatch from her children to monitor her health after experiencing several falls. VanWassenhove, who suffers from sleep apnea that impacts her heart rate and breathing patterns, diligently observes the data captured by her device. After noticing a recurring drop in her heart rate on the smartwatch, she scheduled an appointment with Mehta.
“A typical heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute when at rest. Several factors, including heart conditions or non-cardiac issues such as infections, dehydration, anxiety, or thyroid conditions, can influence heart rates. If someone notices an unusual change in their heart rate or rhythm, it’s wise to consult their physician,” Mehta explained.
In terms of exercise, a person’s maximum heart rate can be estimated by subtracting their age from 220. For moderate exercise, one should aim to reach 50-75% of this maximum, while the goal for vigorous exercise is 70-85%, Mehta indicated. The American Heart Association suggests engaging in 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly to maintain a healthy heart.
During her visit with Mehta, VanWassenhove discovered that her smartwatch could perform an EKG, which measures the heart’s electrical activity, allowing her to send the results directly to Mehta via her electronic medical records.
“Owning a smartwatch is very empowering; it enables me to take an active role in my healthcare. I have some heart issues that require monitoring, so discussing any health changes my watch highlights with my cardiologist or primary care doctor is crucial,” VanWassenhove remarked.
Survey Methodology
The SSRS conducted this study using its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. The SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus is a nationwide probability-based survey conducted twice monthly. Data collection occurred from December 16 to December 18, 2024, featuring a sample size of 1,008 respondents. The survey was administered through the web (n=978) and by telephone (n=30), conducted in English. The margin of error for the overall respondents stands at +/-3.6 percentage points with a 95% confidence level. All data from the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus are weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults aged 18 and older.
