Home heart monitoring: Cardiologist recommendations

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., underscoring the importance of proactive heart health management. While routine doctor visits provide valuable insights into your heart health, cardiologists emphasize the benefits of monitoring key metrics between appointments.

Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to track heart health from the comfort of home. Devices such as smartwatches and home blood pressure monitors offer real-time insights, allowing individuals to stay informed and share crucial data with healthcare providers. While these tools do not replace professional medical assessments, they can serve as valuable additions to a heart care plan.

Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute in Fountain Valley, emphasizes the benefits of home monitoring, especially for those with heart conditions. “I encourage this for most of my patients,” Ni tells Yahoo Life. “It empowers them to take control of their cardiovascular health, track changes, and make informed decisions.”

The Benefits of a Home Blood Pressure Monitor

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent threat that significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people experience “white coat syndrome,” where anxiety during doctor visits leads to artificially high readings. Home blood pressure monitors offer a practical solution, providing accurate readings in a relaxed setting.

Dr. Basel Ramlawi, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Lankenau Heart Institute, notes that many patients now bring printouts or app-generated summaries to medical visits. “This data offers valuable insights into blood pressure trends over time,” he explains, helping doctors make more informed decisions about patient care and treatment strategies.

Home blood pressure monitors are widely accessible, available at pharmacies and online at relatively affordable prices. However, not all devices are created equal. Dr. Christopher Tanayan, a cardiologist at Northwell Health, advises using an upper-arm cuff rather than a wrist monitor, as the latter tends to be less accurate.

To ensure accurate readings, cardiologists recommend taking measurements at the same time each day. Dr. Ni advises his patients to check their blood pressure after waking up, before eating, and before watching television—since stress-inducing news can temporarily elevate readings. Proper technique is essential: sit comfortably at a table, keep your legs uncrossed, and ensure the cuff is at heart level.

Studies on home blood pressure monitoring have yielded mixed results. Some research suggests that individuals who track their blood pressure regularly achieve better control, while others indicate minimal difference. Regardless, doctors agree that these devices provide useful data that can guide treatment decisions.

How Smartwatches Are Revolutionizing Heart Health

Smartwatches have evolved beyond fitness tracking, now offering advanced heart health features such as electrocardiograms (ECG), continuous heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen measurements. These capabilities make them especially beneficial for individuals with heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Dr. Tanayan emphasizes the value of ECG-equipped smartwatches, stating, “For patients with AFib, these devices can help detect irregular heart rhythms early, prompting timely medical intervention.”

Smartwatches also provide insights into resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and activity levels—all of which contribute to cardiovascular fitness. According to Dr. Ni, monitoring heart rate trends can help patients gauge their cardiovascular health, particularly during exercise. “Understanding heart rate zones can optimize workouts and improve heart function over time,” he notes.

I encourage this for the majority of my patients, particularly those with an existing diagnosis

Dr. Yu-Ming Ni

A 2022 study revealed that individuals using smartwatches with blood pressure-monitoring features experienced improved readings after three months. While these devices can be beneficial, experts warn against relying on them exclusively. “Smartwatches are excellent for awareness but should not replace medical-grade diagnostics,” advises Dr. Ramlawi.

If you’re considering a smartwatch for heart health tracking, consulting a doctor is essential. Medical professionals can recommend key metrics to monitor and provide guidance on how to interpret the data accurately.

Integrating smartwatch data into a comprehensive health plan ensures better heart health management, combining technology with professional medical oversight. Beyond blood pressure monitors and smartwatches, other at-home heart health tools include:

ECG Monitors: These devices allow individuals to track heart rhythm abnormalities. Research suggests that home ECG monitoring can improve AFib diagnosis rates, though its impact on preventing complications remains uncertain.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Recommended for high-risk individuals, AEDs deliver life-saving shocks during sudden cardiac arrest. However, proper training is crucial, as misuse can lead to unintended consequences.

While home heart monitoring devices provide valuable insights, they should complement—not replace—professional medical care. “I have personally recommended some of these devices to my patients,” Dr. Ni says, “but it’s important to discuss their use with a healthcare provider.”

Incorporating these tools into a heart care routine enables individuals to take a proactive approach to cardiovascular health. Regular use of a home blood pressure monitor, smartwatch, or other device can help detect potential issues early and enhance overall well-being. Monitoring heart health at home is an empowering step toward a healthier, more informed future.