Wearable tech is one of the most prominent techs that can be seen in the tech industry at present, with smartwatches and fitness trackers being just two examples of this product class. Such products are generally used by people who want to improve their overall health, but in spite of the fact that this is the case they might end up having the exact opposite effect for people who have heart problems.
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that a study a conducted at the University of Utah showed that people with heart implants might not be able to use these devices safely. These devices use electrical pulses which can be lethal because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up interfering with implants that regulate heart rates and the like.
Another way to refer to these devices is as various forms of bioimpedance technology. When tested against heart implants and other forms of cardiac devices, wearable tech was found to interrupt their processes which could lead to massive cardiac arrests with all things having been considered and taken into account.
What makes this study all the more concerning is that all of the tests were conducted whilst following the guidelines that have been put into place by the Food and Drug Administration of the US. This reveals that the devices have not been properly vetted, although that is to be expected when it comes to tech that is as cutting edge as smartwatches.
The problem with bioimpedance is that cardiac implants could perceive the electrical currents as an alternate heartbeat. With over 3 million Americans currently having such implants in or around their hearts, the risk is far too great.
Even smartphones could pose a risk to such individuals if they are held to close to their chests. However, wearable devices make contact with pulse points much more frequently which is why the risk of using them is so much greater than with smartphones as well as tablet computers.
Read next: New Survey Shows the Challenges Businesses Face When Confronting Political Polarization
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that a study a conducted at the University of Utah showed that people with heart implants might not be able to use these devices safely. These devices use electrical pulses which can be lethal because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up interfering with implants that regulate heart rates and the like.
Another way to refer to these devices is as various forms of bioimpedance technology. When tested against heart implants and other forms of cardiac devices, wearable tech was found to interrupt their processes which could lead to massive cardiac arrests with all things having been considered and taken into account.
What makes this study all the more concerning is that all of the tests were conducted whilst following the guidelines that have been put into place by the Food and Drug Administration of the US. This reveals that the devices have not been properly vetted, although that is to be expected when it comes to tech that is as cutting edge as smartwatches.
The problem with bioimpedance is that cardiac implants could perceive the electrical currents as an alternate heartbeat. With over 3 million Americans currently having such implants in or around their hearts, the risk is far too great.
Even smartphones could pose a risk to such individuals if they are held to close to their chests. However, wearable devices make contact with pulse points much more frequently which is why the risk of using them is so much greater than with smartphones as well as tablet computers.
Read next: New Survey Shows the Challenges Businesses Face When Confronting Political Polarization
