THE activity bracelets where the connected watches could create problems on the cardiac devices posed in certain patients.
Activity trackers are very useful devices for monitoring physical fitness and analyzing several essential health data. However, according to a recent study, the very operation of these devices is not without consequences.
Bio-impedance gives excellent analysis results, but can create dysfunctions of cardiac devices
Smartwatches and other activity bracelets use a host of sensors placed on the skin to analyze the user’s heart rate, the number of calories burned or the number of steps taken during the day.
To analyze the level of body fat, muscle mass, stress level and breathing rate, other devices use the technique of bio-impedance. The latter consists of passing through the human body a very slight electric current, imperceptible by the wearer of the device during his daily life.
This technique, seemingly harmless, is not without risks, as indicated today by several researchers in a study published in the journal Heart Rhythm.
A first study that must be completed and enriched in the coming years
If the discharge is very weak, scientists have detected interference caused by bio-impedance on devices from three manufacturers, including implantable cardiac electronic devices, pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators.
” Bio-impedance sensing generated electrical interference that exceeded guidelines accepted by the Food and Drug Administration [l’autorité de régulation du médicament, NDLR] and interfered with the proper functioning of cardiac devices “Says Dr. Benjamin Sanchez Terrones, of the University of Utah and head of this study.
Patients with implantable cardiac devices are already aware that certain devices can cause complications, due to the magnetic fields produced, such as smartphones which must be kept away from pacemakers.
The scientists, however, are reassuring in their publication, and indicate that patients equipped with activity bracelets are not subject to serious danger. Further research, involving more medical devices and activity trackers, needs to be conducted to more accurately determine the possible risks associated with bioimpedance. Dr. Sanchez also wants to involve the tech industry in his work to prevent potential problems.
Source : The Guardian
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