Tracking your AFib with a wearable device
By ShareMD Connect
One of the most challenging parts of navigating AFib is that you can be in AFib and not know it. Studies show that an estimated 30% of people can be in AFib with no symptoms present, leaving them at high risk for potentially deadly complications.
After an AFib diagnosis, you will typically receive treatment as if you are always in AFib; even without symptoms, there are additional steps you can take to help manage it on your own.
For example, talking to your doctor about healthy lifestyle changes you can make, tracking any new symptoms you may experience, and learning how to track your heart rate correctly on your own or with a wearable device, such as a fitness tracker or smartwatch, are often helpful things you can do in addition to any medication or procedure your doctor may recommend.
Using a wearable device to help monitor your AFib can help you or a loved one keep an ongoing record of your heart rate and rhythm. Doing this can help you better understand your heart health and empower you to have a meaningful conversation with your doctor about a treatment plan.
However, it is important to remember that if you are interested in utilizing a wearable device, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider so they can help determine the best wearable device for you and guide you on tracking your Afib.
Here are some steps you can follow to help ensure you have a productive conversation with your healthcare provider and choose the wearable device that's best for you.
Understand your risk
Whether you have symptoms or not, it's important to understand your underlying risk factors for AFib and know what symptoms you may experience without utilizing a wearable device.
Once any underlying causes of your AFib have been discovered, treatment for these will also need to be addressed to improve your quality of life.
Make an Appointment
If you have a trusted primary care provider or specialist, make an appointment and let them know you're interested in utilizing a wearable device to track your heart rhythm and help identify when you might be in AFib.
Do Your Research
Before your appointment, research wearable devices and their features so you can have a good idea of questions you may want to ask your doctor about them. Here, you can read a quick run-down of well-known wearable solutions to help monitor your heart rate. By understanding your options, you can go into your appointment informed and better understand your doctor's opinion on what option may be best for you.
Before and During Your Appointment, Take Notes
Sometimes, it's difficult to remember everything you're concerned about on the spot during your appointment. Start writing down any questions or concerns you have before your appointment. Take notes about how you're feeling, what's happening in your body, and any questions you have about correctly using your wearable device.
Here are a couple of prompts to help you get started:
- What type of wearable device does your doctor recommend?
- Is there a way to track or double-check your heart rate and rhythm without using a wearable device?
- What is the best way to keep track of any alerts you may receive on your device?
- Will stress impact the wearable device's heart rate and rhythm readings?
- What steps should you take when you receive an AFib alert on your wearable device?
- Is there an instance when you may need to call 911 depending on your wearable device's heart rate and rhythm readings?
Thinking about and preparing this type of information ahead of time will help you have a meaningful conversation with your doctor and understand the next best steps for you.
Be Honest with Yourself and Your Doctor
If using a wearable device to track your AFib is stressful or confusing, talk to your doctor about your concerns. There's more than one way to monitor and treat AFib, and it's important to understand all your options so you can feel confident in your treatment plan.
Remember that any AFib diagnosis is one you should take seriously. It doesn't matter how often you feel yourself going into AFib; if you have experienced it, you are still at higher risk for stroke and need to consider treatment.
And while you may only feel your heart having an AFib episode every now and then, you may actually be in AFib much more often than you think, which makes treatment an even more urgent consideration.
The sooner you can intervene to manage AFib, the more likely you will have a good long-term outcome and improve your heart health.