Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way individuals monitor their health, especially heart health, through personal devices. From smartwatches to blood pressure monitors, these tools offer convenience and the ability to track vital metrics regularly. However, despite the prevalence of such self-monitoring devices, a new survey reveals that many Americans fail to share the data they collect with their healthcare providers, potentially missing out on the opportunity for early detection and timely intervention.
A recent national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center sheds light on this issue, highlighting a disconnect between heart health monitoring and patient-doctor communication. The survey, which polled 1,008 Americans, found that nearly two-thirds of respondents use some form of device to monitor their heart health. Among those using monitoring devices, the most common were smartwatches (32%), portable blood pressure machines (31%), fitness apps (19%), and wearable fitness trackers (13%). Despite the widespread use of these devices, only one in four users report sharing the collected data with their doctor or using it as a basis for initiating conversations about their heart health.
Dr. Laxmi Mehta, the director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of these devices in detecting potential health issues early on. She points out that monitoring tools, such as blood pressure machines and smartwatches, can catch irregularities like rising blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, before they are detected during a routine office visit. Dr. Mehta suggests that this proactive approach can lead to earlier intervention, reducing the risk of severe complications.
The survey’s findings raise an important question: why aren’t more patients sharing their heart health data with their doctors? One possible reason is a lack of awareness or understanding of the value of this data. Many patients may not realize that the information collected by their devices can be used to detect potential heart problems, and as a result, they may not prioritize sharing it with their healthcare providers. Additionally, patients may feel unsure about how to communicate the data or may be unaware of the best way to integrate this information into their medical records.
This issue is further illustrated by the personal experience of Sue VanWassenhove, a 78-year-old from Upper Arlington, Ohio, who was gifted a smartwatch by her children after she experienced a few falls. Sue has sleep apnea, a condition that can affect heart rate and breathing, and she closely monitors her heart health with her smartwatch. When the device showed a pattern of her heart rate dropping unexpectedly, she decided to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta to discuss her concerns.
Dr. Mehta explains that a normal resting heart rate for adults ranges between 60 to 100 beats per minute, with variations based on factors such as exercise, stress, or underlying health conditions. When individuals notice irregular heart rhythms or unusual fluctuations in their heart rate, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any serious issues. In Sue’s case, her smartwatch helped detect a potential problem, allowing her to seek timely medical attention.
Sue’s appointment with Dr. Mehta led to a valuable discovery—her smartwatch was capable of performing an electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the electrical activity of the heart. By sharing the EKG data with Dr. Mehta through her electronic medical records, Sue was able to contribute vital information to her ongoing heart health management. This exchange of data between patient and doctor highlights the potential of wearable devices to become powerful tools for improving heart health outcomes, provided that patients are proactive in sharing the data.
Sue’s story is just one example of how self-monitoring devices can empower individuals to take an active role in their health. With the right tools and knowledge, patients can better manage chronic conditions, detect early signs of heart disease, and reduce their risk of heart-related complications. However, the survey reveals a significant gap in communication between patients and healthcare providers. Despite having access to valuable data, many patients do not take the crucial step of sharing it with their doctors, which could ultimately hinder efforts to prevent and treat heart conditions.
The survey also highlights the need for healthcare providers to encourage patients to share their self-monitored data. Dr. Mehta suggests that doctors should be proactive in asking patients about the use of monitoring devices and ensuring that they understand the value of this information in managing their heart health. By fostering open communication, doctors can help patients recognize the importance of sharing their data, enabling better collaboration in managing their conditions.
The findings of this survey also raise important questions about the future of healthcare. As more people turn to wearable devices and mobile apps to monitor their health, there is an increasing need for healthcare systems to adapt and integrate these technologies into routine care. This may involve developing systems to securely transmit data from personal devices to medical records, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patient health remotely and make more informed decisions.
The survey’s methodology, conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform, included responses from 1,008 Americans, with a margin of error of +/-3.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted between December 16 and December 18, 2024, and administered through web and telephone interviews. The data collected provides valuable insights into the current state of heart health monitoring and patient-doctor communication in the United States.
In conclusion, while advances in technology have made it easier for individuals to monitor their heart health, many Americans are still not sharing this data with their healthcare providers. This lack of communication could prevent early detection of potential heart issues and hinder effective management of cardiovascular conditions. By raising awareness about the importance of sharing health data with doctors and fostering better communication between patients and healthcare providers, we can improve heart health outcomes and reduce the burden of heart disease in the United States.
As wearable devices and self-monitoring technologies continue to evolve, it is crucial that both patients and healthcare providers embrace these tools as part of a collaborative approach to healthcare. Through proactive monitoring, early detection, and improved communication, we can ensure that individuals receive the care they need to maintain a healthy heart and prevent serious health complications.
