Smartwatches & Heart Health: Can Wearables Save Lives?

Dr.Sukriti Bhalla, 2 mins read

Whenever you walk into any cafe or bus stop today, you will spot at least one person checking their smartwatch. It might buzz to tell them they have sat too long or to show how many steps they have walked. It’s impressive, no doubt. But do these gadgets actually help us stay healthy? Or is it just clever marketing?

I have seen friends on both sides, friends who swear their smartwatch helped them get fitter, and others who say it made them anxious about every heartbeat.

How Smartwatches Can Actually Help?

For many people, a smartwatch is like a pocket-sized health coach. Here’s why some folks love them:

• Gentle nudges to move: If you sit a lot, the watch reminds you to stand or stretch. Small things, but they add up.
• Heart rate tracking: Some watches keep an eye on your pulse all day. For people with heart issues, this can give early signs if something’s off.
• Sleep awareness: You might think you’re getting 8 hours, but your watch might say otherwise. Seeing sleep patterns helps people improve bedtime habits.
• Emergency alerts: Some smartwatches can detect falls or major changes in heart rhythm. A friend’s elderly parent got help quickly thanks to an alert from their watch.

Now, let’s be real, these devices are not magic.

• False alarms happen: A high heart rate during a jog might trigger a warning, making someone think they are in trouble when they are not.
• It can get stressful: Constantly checking numbers, steps, sleep score, calories, might make you feel like you are always behind.
• Not a replacement for doctors: A smartwatch might show trends, but it can’t diagnose anything. Real medical advice still comes from real humans.
• Privacy matters: You are sharing a lot of personal info with a tech company. Always check how your data is being used.

Are They Good or Bad?

Honestly? It depends on the person. If you are someone who enjoys little goals like walking 5,000 steps a day or if you want a nudge to sleep better, then a smartwatch can be a great tool. But if numbers make you nervous, or you start feeling guilty over bad stats, it’s okay to step away. These devices should help, not stress you out.

Smartwatches are just tools, so one should use them wisely. They can help you stay on track with your health. But at the end of the day, your body’s best guide is still you. And may be your doctor too.