Wearable Health Devices: A Guide for Patients and Doctors

Wearable devices that track health metrics such as sleep, heart rate, and body temperature are used by millions of people. The wearable technology industry is now estimated to be worth approximately $100 billion. As these devices become more common, medical professionals have provided guidance on how patients can effectively use the data they generate in discussions with healthcare providers.

Guidance from Medical Professionals

Dr. Lucy McBride, a physician in Washington, D.C., emphasizes the importance of context when bringing data to a doctor. She advises that patients should report patterns in their data rather than isolated data points, and that data should be considered in the context of a patient's life.

"Data without context is just noise."

Dr. Sarah Benish, a neurologist in Minnesota, notes that data from wearables can help healthcare providers see beyond what is observed during brief office visits. She stated this data can help doctors understand symptoms and determine next steps for testing or treatment. Dr. Benish also highlighted that smartwatches can detect irregular heart rhythms, which can be a sign of underlying heart conditions.

Real-World Impact: Patient Experiences

• Sophie Krupp reported that using an Oura ring helped her identify connections between her sleep quality, hormonal cycles, alcohol consumption, and migraine symptoms.
• Dr. McBride described a patient whose Apple Watch detected a low heart rate during sleep. This data point led to a cardiology consultation and the eventual implantation of a pacemaker.

Recommendations for Patients Using Wearables

If you use a wearable device and wish to discuss the data with your doctor, consider the following advice:

• Understand your device: Know how your specific device works and be aware that software updates may change how data is tracked or displayed.
• Ask questions: Bring your data to your appointment and ask your doctor questions about anything you do not understand.
• Maintain perspective: Be aware that an excessive focus on data can cause anxiety for some individuals. It is important to consider that not all health factors are measurable by wearable devices; personal history and lifestyle factors are also crucial.

Background

The American Academy of Neurology has issued informal guidance on the use of wearables. Commonly used devices include FitBit, Garmin, Oura ring, Whoop band, and Apple Watch.