Most patients use devices to self-monitor their heart health but don’t share the information with their doctor

Advancements in medical technology, specifically in portable health-monitoring devices, have made it easier and more accessible than ever for Americans to keep track of their heart health. Despite this fact, a national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals a critical gap: most users don’t share their data with their doctors, potentially missing out on life-saving care.

According to the national survey of 1,008 U.S. adults, nearly two-thirds of Americans regularly use devices capable of monitoring their heart health. Specifically, of those surveyed:

• 32% use smartwatches
• 31% use portable blood pressure machines
• 19% use fitness apps
• 13% use wearable fitness/movement tracker devices

However, just 25% of these users bring their findings to their physician for further evaluation.

“These self-monitoring devices are really helpful to patients and their health care providers because they can potentially catch things early,” Laxmi Mehta, MD, director of Preventative Cardiology and Women's Cardiovascular Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said in a university release. “For example, if patients are monitoring their blood pressure at home and notice it’s been going up over time, they may want to discuss it with their doctor sooner rather than waiting for their annual visit. Or they may capture some irregular heart rhythms on their devices, like atrial fibrillation, much sooner than would be diagnosed at the doctor’s office.”

Mehta emphasizes that patients increasingly seek guidance on how to interpret and act on the data collected by these self-monitoring devices.

A patient’s perspective

Sue VanWassenhove, 78, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, was gifted a smartwatch by her children following a couple of falls. Living with sleep apnea, VanWassenhove uses the device to monitor her health closely. When her smartwatch showed a pattern of her heart rate dropping, she made an appointment with Mehta.

During the visit, she learned that her smartwatch could perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) and transmit the results directly to her doctor through her electronic medical chart.

“Having a smartwatch is very empowering because I’m not being passive with my health care. I have some heart issues that need monitored, and it’s important for me to talk to my cardiologist or primary care doctor about any health issues that show up on my watch,” VanWassenhove said.

Mehta advises patients to stay alert to changes in their heart rate or rhythm, which could signal underlying conditions, including infection, dehydration, anxiety or thyroid disorders. “When someone’s heart rate or rhythm seems different than usual, it’s best for them to speak with their doctor,” Mehta said.