Don’t Panic at Every Smartwatch Heart Alert, Experts Say
What Happened
Cardiologists say a high heart-rate reading on a smartwatch is often caused by everyday factors such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, smoking, dehydration, poor sleep, fever or lack of exercise, and does not automatically indicate heart disease. Smartwatch readings can also sometimes be inaccurate due to movement, sweat or improper wear.
Key Takeaways
A single high reading is usually not a reason to panic. However, a persistently elevated heart rate, repeated alerts, or symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, palpitations or fainting should be evaluated by a doctor. Smartwatches are useful for monitoring trends, but they cannot diagnose heart conditions on their own.