In 2022, a wearable device helped detect a serious medical condition. In early 2022, I purchased a Fitbit Fitness Tracker with blood pressure and heart monitoring capabilities.
For over a year, I had been experiencing episodes of very rapid and forceful heart palpitations, with my heart feeling like it was flopping in my chest. These episodes occurred nearly every night and during periods of rest. The Fitbit regularly alerted me with notifications of "Atrial Fibrillation" or "Inconclusive Reading" during these times of elevated heart rate.
After several months of receiving these alerts, I mentioned my symptoms to my primary care physician. While I believed it may have been anxiety, she recommended a cardiology evaluation to fully assess the situation. It took a few weeks to secure my initial cardiologist appointment. When I described the Fitbit notifications, the cardiologist was initially skeptical. However, an electrocardiogram (EKG) that day was normal. Out of an abundance of caution, he ordered an echocardiogram, stress test, and cardiac monitor to rule out any serious underlying issues.
Upon follow up after test completion, the cardiologist reviewed the results. The echocardiogram appeared normal, and the stress test showed no abnormalities. However, the cardiac monitor recording revealed multiple episodes of atrial fibrillation. I was immediately started on two medications as a result.
Had I not purchased the Fitbit, it is unclear how much longer it would have taken for me to seek medical attention for my severe palpitations. Please continue advancing wearable technology and efforts to make these devices more accessible. In my case, it helped detect a potentially life-threatening condition.
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