What Are Wearable Health Devices?

Wearable health devices are electronic tools designed to be worn on the body to monitor physiological processes. They track things like heart rate, blood glucose, blood oxygen, and exercise—keeping users and health care providers informed about health metrics. This information is then transmitted to another mobile device, where the data is stored. Examples of wearable health devices include smartwatches such as the Apple Watch, fitness trackers like Fitbit, continuous glucose monitors, and electrocardiogram monitors.

Thanks to technological advancements, wearable health devices are now a common sight among Americans. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, 36% of U.S. adults in a 2022 survey reported using a health care wearable device in the previous 12 months. The global wearable medical devices market is projected to reach $168.29 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 25.53% from 2025 to 2030. Key players like Google, Fitbit, Apple, and Nike are launching innovative products, particularly smartwatches and wristbands, contributing to market expansion.

The Role of Wearables in Preventive and Proactive Care

Wearable health devices can collect various types of physiological data over an extended time, which then lets medical health professionals analyze the details both in-person and remotely. Let’s look at a specific wearable health device and its benefits for cardiac patients.

Heart of the Matter

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prime example of how medically useful wearables can be. In 2022, CVD was listed as the underlying cause of nearly 1 million deaths in the United States. Physicians have long known that early detection can greatly affect patient outcomes. In 2018, Apple created the Apple Watch Series 4, which was the first watch to include electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality. The watch face was designed to show a bipolar ECG, which helps monitor a hidden type of irregular heartbeat called occult atrial fibrillation (AF). A review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that this device has a similar accuracy to traditional ECG machines in detecting irregular heartbeats, slow heart rhythms, and other heart issues.

Another significant study is the , conducted by Stanford Medicine in collaboration with Apple, which aimed to determine whether the Apple Watch could identify AF using its heart-rate pulse sensor. The study involved over 400,000 participants and found that 84% of those who received an irregular-pulse notification were later confirmed to have AF during ECG patch monitoring.

These findings are promising for cardiac patients. Wearables can help them take a proactive approach, encouraging earlier visits to their physician, which can result in timely interventions, reducing the severity of CVD and improving health outcomes.

Monitor and Modify

A study published in JMIR mHealth uHealth concludes that wearable technology has the potential to drive behavioral changes by motivating individuals to engage in physical activity through features like daily step targets and personalized goals. By promoting exercise, these devices can contribute to associated health benefits and play a role in mitigating the obesity crisis made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similarly, a study published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health found that wearable devices led to significant improvements in physical activity among patients with cardiovascular disease.

Integrating Wearables Into Clinical Practice

According to the American Diabetes Association, certain wearable health devices have been used within clinical practice for many years. The FDA approved the first glucose monitor in 1999. Diabetes patients were able to check their glucose levels regularly, and their physician could then download the data at medical appointments. In 2016, the FreeStyle Libre Pro was introduced. This small device is worn on the skin for up to 14 days and connects to a smartphone. Users can check their glucose levels, and doctors can see current and past data in the app. Immediate and historical glucose data available to users and doctors can help prevent long-term diabetes complications.

App developer Topflight reports that wearable health devices are expected to reduce hospital costs by 16% within the next five years, and that 88% of health care providers are already investing in remote monitoring of patients.

Opportunities and Limitations in Medical Settings

Improved Doctor-Patient Relationships. Wearable health devices provide patients with valuable insights, enabling them to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and well-being. As a result, patients become more proactive and engaged in their care, fostering a more collaborative and informed relationship with their health care providers.

Improved Patient Monitoring. Wearable health devices allow medical professionals access to continuous and long-term physiological data that can be used to detect deviations from a patient’s norm, in addition to any abnormalities flagged by the device.

Data Protection and Privacy. One concern raised by patients is the privacy of their data, particularly if data is shared between various providers and stored in multiple systems. With data protection being of utmost importance to the population in general, this is an important consideration for the future of data obtained from wearable health devices.

Standards Regulation. According to Greenlight Guru, wearable health devices must be approved by the FDA if they claim to have a medical benefit. As such, certain wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers—which do not make such claims—are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it's crucial for users to recognize the limitations of these products and not make health decisions based solely on their data.

Accuracy. Though many studies have shown that certain features of wearable health devices have a high degree of accuracy, they are not infallible. It’s essential to use wearables as a guide rather than relying solely on their data for diagnosis and screening.

Affordability. The cost of wearable health devices can be a significant barrier, with high-end models being particularly pricey. This cost issue raises concerns about health inequalities, as individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be unable to access these devices, potentially widening the gap in health outcomes between different socioeconomic groups.

Stepping Into the Future

Despite the limitations, wearable health devices potentially can transform health care by making it more proactive and preventative, rather than reactive. As people become more aware of changes or deteriorations in their health, they can take greater responsibility for managing it. This shift could ultimately lead to better health outcomes, better quality of life, and longer life expectancy.

Interested in Becoming a Doctor?

If you’re an aspiring medical professional, you may be considering how to leverage technology like wearable health devices in your future practice. You may also wonder how your own educational journey will equip you for this demanding yet rewarding career. For those with a passion for medicine and a desire to stay at the forefront of health care innovation, it’s important to consider not just the technology itself, but also the educational environment that will support your growth.

Personal Support Meets Powerful Education

Institutions like American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine recognize the importance of student well-being. At AUC, we offer comprehensive health and wellness services to our students, acknowledging that a healthy student is better equipped to succeed academically and clinically. AUC also fosters a caring community through various clubs and organizations. Extracurricular activities not only enrich the educational experience but also promote social connections and stress relief, contributing to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for medical students.

Yet, you don’t have to choose between a culture of support and high-quality academics. AUC’s U.S.-modeled MD program provides a strong foundation in medical sciences and clinical practice, giving you a competitive edge as you pursue residency opportunities. Through hands-on training, global clinical rotations, and dedicated support, we prepare you to deliver extraordinary care in your chosen specialty.

Contact us to learn more or complete our admissions assessment to start your journey to becoming the doctor you dream of being!