The Use of Wearable ECG Devices in the Clinical Setting: a Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Digital Health

Background:

• Wearable electrocardiograms (ECGs) are increasingly utilized in clinical and acute care settings.
• Cardiac arrhythmias represent a significant area of concern in patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical application and impact of wearable ECGs on patient care.
• To assess the role of wearable ECGs in managing cardiac arrhythmias.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on wearable ECG devices.
• Analysis of studies comparing wearable ECGs to the current standard of care.

Main Results:

• Wearable ECGs demonstrate non-inferiority in arrhythmia detection compared to traditional methods.
• Studies indicate improved patient care, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced symptom-rhythm correlation.
• Devices are evolving for broader screening and diverse patient needs.

Conclusions:

• Wearable cardiac monitoring offers a valuable tool for diagnosis, potentially reducing time to diagnosis and emergency department visits.
• Further research is necessary to fully evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accessibility, and privacy concerns.
• The technology holds promise for large-scale screening and personalized patient care.