ACC CardiaCast Innovation in Action: Leveraging Wearables in Cardiovascular Care
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Nov 10, 2025 Sanket Dhruva, an associate professor and cardiologist at UCSF, discusses the transformative role of wearables like the Apple Watch in cardiovascular care. He highlights the guide developed for clinicians to navigate these devices effectively. Dhruva emphasizes the limitations of wearables, especially in detecting atrial fibrillation, and stresses the importance of setting patient expectations. He also explores new features such as hypertension notifications and how to integrate wearables into clinical workflows to promote better health outcomes.
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Wearables Shift Care To Consumers
- Consumer wearables like the Apple Watch are increasingly used by people, not just patients, and bring cardiac data into clinical encounters.
- Clinicians need resources to understand device capabilities so they can partner with patients on interpretation and care.
Verify What The Device Actually Measures
- Step back and learn what a wearable can and cannot measure before using its data in care.
- Clarify limits with patients and decide when a medical-grade monitor is required.
Don't Rely On Continuous AF Detection
- Do not assume the Apple Watch will always detect atrial fibrillation; detection depends on wearing, fit, and feature settings.
- Explain detection timing and thresholds to patients to avoid false reassurance.