For individuals with atrial fibrillation (Afib), the use of wearable devices such as smart watches can lead to heightened levels of anxiety concerning their Afib symptoms, doctor visits, and utilization of informal healthcare resources, a recent study revealed.
Wearable devices, like smart watches, are designed to enable users to track their health data and symptoms, aiding them in promptly monitoring their health and addressing any symptoms to improve their overall well-being. However, for those with Afib, relying on wearable devices to monitor heart rate and alert them to irregular heartbeats may not be as beneficial as anticipated.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, led by Lindsay Rosman, PhD, an assistant professor of Medicine specializing in cardiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, found that wearable devices, such as smart watches, can significantly escalate anxiety levels and increase healthcare utilization among Afib patients.
The research, which involved 172 Afib patients from UNC Health who had previously been diagnosed with the condition, encompassed a survey alongside electronic health records data. Comparisons were made between individuals with wearable devices and those without. Rosman and her team discovered that Afib patients who used wearables tended to fixate more on their heart symptoms, express concerns regarding their Afib treatment, and utilize healthcare services more than those without such devices. Wearable users were also more inclined to contact clinics and send messages to healthcare providers compared to non-users.
Furthermore, 20% of Afib patients utilizing wearables in the study reported experiencing intense fear and anxiety upon receiving notifications of irregular heart rhythms from their devices. An equivalent proportion (20%) regularly reached out to their doctors when electrocardiogram (ECG) results indicated abnormalities or possible Afib. However, it remains uncertain whether their need to consult a doctor was prompted by the alerts from their devices. Additionally, the impact of reported anxiety on symptom aggravation remains unclear, even though anxiety is widely recognized as a contributing factor to numerous conditions, including Afib.
Rosman remarked, “Considering the substantial rise in wearable device usage among this patient cohort (and the general population), we advocate for prospective studies and randomized trials to comprehensively comprehend the overall impact of wearables, including their alerts, on patients’ healthcare utilization and mental well-being, alongside the consequential effects on healthcare providers, hospitals, and healthcare systems.”
