Advances in Technology Related to Cardiovascular Health

Article: 2015 to ring in advances in prevention, interventional procedures, heart repair

The article highlighted on a couple different areas related to advancements in cardiovascular health in the 2015 year. One of the areas highlighted on wearable technologies such as watches with heart rate monitors (Polar, Garmin, Fitbit). Although some of these products have been around for several years, its use within the health care setting is minimal. The article discusses how wearable technology will allow individuals to monitor their health outside of the physician’s office. Apple for example has recently created a watch that can measure pulse rate and use sensors to track the duration and type of exercise being done. Paired with an app, the individual can combine various wearable devices and share it with their physician.

Personally, I own a TomTom GPS watch that can track my heart rate, calories, pace, and distance when I run. Additionally, I have a Fitbit that tracks the amount of steps I take, the calories I burn throughout the day, and it also allows me to track the food I have eaten. I think that these devices should be promoted by physicians. These wearable technologies don’t track everything about an individual’s health, but it can be a useful tool during a doctor’s visit. It provides insight into how much activity an individual participates in each week, what their diet may look like, how their heart rate is when they are exercising. It provides a wealth of health information as well as allows individuals to keep track of their progress and goals they set for themselves.

Reference:

American College of Cardiology. (2014). 2015 to ring in advances in prevention, interventional procedures, heart repair. Eurekalert. Retrieved from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-12/acoc-2tr122214.php