Wearable devices for cardiac arrhythmia detection: a new contender?

There has been increased consumer uptake of smart devices and wearable technology. They facilitate non-invasive, ambulatory assessment of numerous cardiac indices, including the heart rate and rhythm. Several studies have reported on the utility and deficiencies of these devices in identifying and monitoring cardiac arrhythmias. The rapid uptake of these consumer devices has the potential to generate vast amounts of biometric data. This coupled with gaps in knowledge pertaining to the optimal management of conditions such as sub clinical atrial fibrillation, may result in unnecessary and expensive downstream testing. An improved understanding of this nascent field by the clinician is vital.