The Use of Wearable ECG Devices in the Clinical Setting: a Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review investigates the use of wearable electrocardiograms (ECGs) in the clinic and acute care setting, and their impact on patient care, particularly pertaining to the management of cardiac arrhythmias. RECENT FINDINGS: Wearable ECGs have consistently demonstrated their non-inferiority in detecting arrhythmias when compared to the current standard of care. Different studies have highlighted their ability to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs, while more devices are being created to work as a screening tool at a larger scale or to fit the physical abilities of a variety of patients. SUMMARY: The use of wearable cardiac monitoring devices demonstrated considerable symptom–rhythm correlation in various clinical settings, which often resulted in a reduction in time to diagnosis and lower rates of ED visits. However, this relatively new technology raised concerns for patient accessibility and privacy among others. Further research is needed to assess their sensitivity and specificity in the clinical setting, as well as their limitations.