Is that a lifesaver on your arm?

SMARTWATCHES are transforming into full-blown medical devices capable of doing everything from assessing fitness levels and flagging sleep problems to monitoring heart rhythms and helping users to fall pregnant.

But a world-first study into the devices, based in Australia, is being launched to test whether wearable technology really can save lives, and if doctors should be prescribing Fitbits and Apple Watches along with healthy diets and exercise.

Sydney’s Westmead Private Hospital associate professor Saurabh Kumar, who will conduct the research after being awarded a CSANZ-Bayer Young Investigator Grant, said smartwatch wearers were already approaching doctors based on heart-rate infor- mation collected from the technology, and cardiologists needed to know how reliable their readings were.

“A lot of patients do go to GPs having no symptoms but their wearable device has prompted them to see a doctor,” he said.

“Given the recent explosion in wearable devices, we need to systematically and scientifically evaluate these devices against a gold standard and determine whether they are capable of detecting changes in heart rate and common cardiac rhythm problems.”

Advanced health features in the latest generation of smart- watches include a yet-to-be-released electrocardiogram monitor in the Apple Watch 4, stress assessments inside Samsung’s Galaxy Watch, and the ability to track your heart rate, deep and light sleep cycles, and even women’s reproductive cycles with the Fitbit Versa smartwatch.

Fitbit Asia Pacific Health Solutions director John Gillman said the company’s fitness trackers were designed to help users manage their own health, rather than replace a doctor, but it launched a new program called Fitbit Care this month offering coaching and disease prevention for health insurance companies and employers.

“It is moving into a new space for us and allowing people to manage very significant health issues — it will help people deal with a range of health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.

Dr Kumar said initial findings from the study could be available next year. Get a fitbit when you subscribe. See page 32 or call 1800 134 152. Fitbit Versa + 12 month digital subscription. Only $7.50 a week for the first 12 months. Min. Cost $390. Conditions apply.