Wearable devices in cardiology

Wearables—sensors that are externally applied to the body to measure a signal and transmit or record the data for further analysis—are an industry worth billions of dollars annually. It is technically feasible to measure activity, blood pressure, and pulse, and to detect arrhythmia and potential heart failure decompensation via wearables. Relatively few studies have assessed the clinical value of wearables, and many remain curiosities or consumer “toys.” However, through attention to demonstrating accuracy and added value, it is possible for some technologies to be incorporated into diagnostic and treatment decision-making. Barriers to such transition include patient and physician acceptability, difficulties in incorporating the data into electronic medical records, and lack of reimbursement or regulatory approval. Cardiologists are becoming increasingly familiar with this developing field, but pressure for implementation may come more from the consumer than from the health care system.