Is Your Fitness Tracker Accurate for Heart Health?

May 22, 2025

Is Your Fitness Tracker Accurate for Heart Health?

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
22 May, 2025

Fitness trackers or “wearables” as they are commonly termed are more than just a fad. Today, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, making it easy for people to monitor their fitness levels. These digital devices are a boon for people on the go. When it comes to the heart, how accurate are fitness trackers for heart health?

Wearable devices for heart health monitoring

Whether it is specialised wrist-worn gadgets or apps incorporated into smartwatches, these wearable devices are making it big into the fitness realm. These wearables can take stock of a number of health metrics, including heart rate and oxygen saturation. Some advanced fitness trackers can even monitor blood pressure and record single-lead ECGs (electrocardiogram) patterns.

Are smartwatches reliable for heart problems?

Accuracy of smartwatches in detecting heart problems is debatable. How accurate your smartwatch is depends largely on the numbers which are being monitored, the device that is being used, and the level of activity you are engaged in. The most accurate parameter that can be measured using smartwatches is counting steps. Measuring heart rate correctly is possible by using a dependable tracker and also the kind of intense activity that a person is involved in. So, can fitness trackers detect irregular heartbeat? Fitness trackers are just a way of telling us about our health. They are in no way substitutes for actual medical tests.

Fitness tracker vs Holter monitor for heart health

When it comes to finding the better option between fitness tracker and Holter monitor for assessing heart health, it is important to understand their difference. While fitness trackers are consumer-grade wearables, Holter monitors are medical-grade devices.

Fitness tracker: Fitness trackers are primarily used for everyday health monitoring. Some of the models come with inbuilt ECG apps that assess heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation which allows easy heart rate tracking during rest and physical activity. Fitness trackers are not diagnostic tools as such, although they can detect heart irregularities. They are less accurate in giving results and users can often end up getting confused by misinterpreting data.
Holter monitor: This is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) device that a healthcare professional prescribes you to continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity over a period of 24 to 48 hours or even longer. It helps in detecting arrhythmias, palpitations, unexplained dizziness, and also evaluates the effectiveness of heart medications. Its drawbacks include short-term usage, approximately not more than 1 or 2 days. It may cause some amount of discomfort because of the numerous wires and electrodes attached to the chest. It also does not give immediate results.

Features of an ideal fitness tracker

The best fitness trackers for heart monitoring in 2025 that is making a big boom in the market includes certain salient features. The ideal fitness tracker is one that offers precise and accurate results that help to optimize performance, especially in athletes. It should be budget-friendly, without compromising on important features for tracking heart rate monitoring, ECG, and stress. The design should be sleek, perfect for 24*7 usage.

Conclusion

Whether you want to invest in a fitness tracker for heart health is totally your call because the idea is still debatable whether fitness trackers are useful for heart patients. While it is true that modern fitness trackers can monitor heart rates and in some cases, detect irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation (AFib), they are not substitutes for diagnostic devices. However, by providing real-time feedback, fitness trackers can motivate users to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are fitness trackers for heart rate monitoring?

The accuracy of fitness trackers depends on the kind of device used- whether it’s a chest band device or one worn on the wrist or forearm. It also depends on the kind of activity you are engaged in and the parameters you would want to monitor. Fitness trackers worn on the wrist or arm are generally very accurate when you are in a resting state or even while running or cycling. Moreover, fitness trackers are most accurate if you are counting steps.

Can fitness trackers detect heart disease?

No, fitness trackers do not detect heart diseases. They are only used to monitor heart health by detecting abnormal heart rates and rhythms. However, fitness trackers can be potentially useful in detecting heart issues such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can be monitored using apps on the tracker. In case of an anomaly, the person using the fitness tracker can be alerted.

Do doctors recommend using fitness trackers?

Fitness trackers, though very useful, cannot replace actual diagnostic tests. However, doctors often recommend the use of fitness trackers to monitor certain health parameters, activity levels, and identify potential health concerns at the earliest.

Can fitness trackers replace medical-grade ECG?

Although certain advanced fitness trackers record single-lead ECG patterns, they cannot be relied upon as a substitute for medical-grade ECG.

Are fitness trackers safe for heart patients?

Yes, fitness trackers are generally considered to be safe for use for most people, including those with prevailing heart conditions. However, potential risks and benefits should be considered before usage.

When should you consult a cardiologist instead of relying on wearables?

You should seek professional medical advice from a cardiologist in case you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness. If you suffer from a comorbid condition such as diabetes or have a family history of heart disease, you should get in touch with a cardiologist at the earliest instead of relying on wearables.