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Hearts4heart - a health promotion charity and peak body that supports, educates and advocates for people living with heart disease – has highlighted that wearable devices such as smart watches and bands can help identify possible atrial fibrillation (AF) symptoms, which can then be further investigated by a healthcare professional.

AF is a major public health issue. In 2020-21 an estimated $1.4 billion was spent on AF, making it the second most expensive cardiovascular disease condition in Australia.

The spotlighting of the benefits of wearable devices comes ahead of Sydney hosting leading cardiologists from across the globe from September 26th to 29th for the 2024 Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) conference which coincides with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, a Hearts4heart initiative.

The prestigious Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is being held in Australia for the first time in nearly 10 years.

The conference will spotlight the latest advancements in electrophysiology and the future technological, clinical and research breakthroughs in the field of arrhythmia, which includes AF.

Australia is a leader in AF risk factor management and contributed significantly to the latest iteration of the international AF management guidelines. However, nearly 6% of Australians over the age of 55 are living with atrial fibrillation - It is the second most expensive cardiovascular condition in Australia with around $1.4 billion allocated to atrial fibrillation cases every year.

Associate Professor Chrishan Nalliah, a clinical academic electrophysiologist with MQ Health Cardiology, says the Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is an incredible opportunity to showcase the cardiovascular talent in Australia, as well as increase awareness of a condition which impacts more than 500,000 Australians.

A/Professor Nalliah notes "The Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society conference is an incredible opportunity for those specialising in the field of cardiology in Australia. This event will have more than 2,500 cardiologists and electrophysiology physicians engaging in discussions around arrhythmia, spanning from fundamental research involving genetic and molecular advancements, to significant breakthroughs in device and lead technologies.

"When it comes to heart health management, people often think of implantable devices such as pacemakers, but wearable devices like smart watches and fitness trackers, can play a critical role in identifying underlying abnormalities of heart rhythm or other health parameters, which can drastically improve the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation.

"If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia."

Hearts4heart founder and Chief Executive, Tanya Hall, who is presenting at the conference, says her own experience of AF could have been treated and diagnosed much sooner if she'd had access to a device.

"More than 4.5 million Australians use a fitness tracker to monitor steps, sleep or energy output, but these wearable devices can also be a convenient way to detect heart irregularities. While it's only an indication, if a wearable device detects an abnormal heartbeat, the user can then visit their GP for a heart check with a stethoscope to determine the reason for the irregularity.

"Hearts4heart research has highlighted that fewer than 1 in 3 (27%) people aged 57 or older had heard of atrial fibrillation. Mortality rates related to AF have almost doubled over the last two decades, so being aware of the symptoms of AF is key to early diagnosis, stroke prevention and effective patient management.”

Over half a million Australians are currently living with atrial fibrillation, and up to 30% of them may be undiagnosed. One in four individuals over 55 years is at risk of developing AF. Even the fittest of us may be living with AF symptoms and excessive exercise like cycling and running may bring on atrial fibrillation.

AF can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and even dementia. Anyone experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dizziness, unexplained tiredness, shortness of breath, fainting, swelling of the ankles or chest pain, should speak with their GP about getting a heart check with a stethoscope.

Some of the most popular and reliable fitness tracking devices are from MyZone. On its MZ-3 product MyZone notes that it was “uniquely developed to help you get the most out of each workout by providing you with the real-time, heart rate based effort readings you need. The MZ-3 uses a proprietary device that’s 99.4% accurate to an EKG machine. MYZONE works to help you know the exact intensity level you’re working at based on your unique heart rate. By gaining access to the instant exercise feedback you need, you’re able to put in the effort required to get the results you want. Whether you’re in the gym, travelling, or at home working to stay fit, it’s important that you invest in a wearable capable of rewarding every ounce of your effort.”

More information on Hearts4heart 

Image. The Myzone Switch can be worn on wrist, arm or chest and is accurate for activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling and swimming. Credit: Myzone

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