I’m a Heart Doctor. Here’s Why I’m Wary of the New Apple Watch
Screening for atrial fibrillation in healthy people just doesn’t make sense
Apple’s new watch sounds like a win for anyone interested in their heart health. It will notify wearers of a slow or irregular heart rhythm, and it can take a basic electrocardiogram (ECG), a recording of the electrical activity of the heart.
During Apple’s presentation of the new watch on Sept. 12, the company boasted of its FDA clearance and basked in praise from American Heart Association president Dr. Ivor Benjamin.
As a heart doctor, my opinion is that if you think an Apple Watch is nifty, buy one. But do not buy it for your health. It will not improve your health, and it could even bring you harm.
In particular, I’m concerned about the problems that arise when we screen healthy people.
“As a heart doctor, my opinion is that if you think an Apple Watch is nifty, buy one. But do not buy it for your health.”
I concede that early detection seems like a good idea, especially for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF can increase a person’s risk of stroke, and many people who have AF don’t know it. We also have…
