Wearable Technologies: An Emerging Tool for Early Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmias in India

Abstract

Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, are an increasing cause of stroke and heart failure in India, often remaining undiagnosed due to their paroxysmal or asymptomatic nature. Wearable technologies, including smartwatches and handheld electrocardiogram devices, enable ambulatory rhythm monitoring using photoplethysmography and single-lead ECG. These tools may facilitate earlier detection and timely referral, especially in settings with limited access to conventional monitoring. However, challenges related to false-positive alerts, cost, data interpretation, and clinical integration persist. This letter discusses the potential role of wearable technologies as adjunctive screening tools for arrhythmia detection in the Indian healthcare setting and emphasizes the need for population-specific validation and clear clinical pathways.