Recent Articles

Foot pain: A look at why your feet might hurt

Matcha: A look at possible health benefits

Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health

Forearm workouts: Strengthening grip for everyday function

Depression symptoms: Recognizing common and lesser-known symptoms

Medication side effects: What are your options?

Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support

Dialysis: What to expect from this life-changing — and lifesaving — treatment

The BEEP program: Keep your balance

Hoarding: What to know about this mental health disorder

Medical Devices & Technology Archive

Heart Health

Low heart rate warnings via smart watch

Published February 1, 2022

When a smart watch alert suggests that person's heart rate is below 40 beats per minute, it could be an error, especially if no symptoms are present. But it could signal a heart problem called bradycardia that has many possible causes.

Heart Health

Experimental wireless pacemaker dissolves when no longer needed

Published October 1, 2021

A wireless, battery-free device that naturally absorbs into the body within two months may one day be a safer alternative to temporary pacemakers.

Heart Health

Better blood sugar tracking: A benefit for heart health?

Published October 1, 2021

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—a small device placed on the arm or belly that measures blood sugar every few minutes—may help people with diabetes recognize the eating and exercise habits that hinder (or help) them control their blood sugar. CGM readouts, which are displayed on a smartphone or portable monitor, show your blood sugar values, trends, and the percentage of time that your blood sugar is in a "good control" range. Medicare covers CGMs for people who inject insulin at least three times a day or use an insulin pump to control their blood sugar.

Heart Health

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Beyond anti-clotting drugs

Published October 1, 2021

People with atrial fibrillation who develop or face a high risk of serious bleeding from anti-clotting drugs may be candidates for procedures that block or remove a part of the heart where dangerous blood clots form. About 90% of blood clots in the heart form in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch that protrudes from the top of the heart. Two procedures prevent clots from escaping from the LAA and causing a stroke. One delivers a device that blocks the opening of the LAA; the other removes most of the LAA during heart surgery done for another reason.

Heart Health

Wearable devices may encourage enough exercise to prevent afib

Published September 1, 2021

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity appears to lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (afib), a heart rhythm disorder that raises the risk of stroke.

Heart Health

Screening for atrial fibrillation: An update

Published August 1, 2021

Atrial fibrillation (afib), an often-silent heart rhythm disorder, increases the risk of stroke. Early detection may enable people to start taking anti-clotting drugs to prevent a stroke. Current afib screening methods include asking people about afib symptoms and taking an electrocardiogram during routine check-ups. Wearable devices such as smart watches and fitness trackers can detect afib, but they aren’t yet accurate enough to be used for widespread screening.

Heart Health

Listen to your heart

Published July 1, 2021

Monitoring one’s heart rate at rest and during exercise is easier than ever. This information can be especially valuable to people with heart conditions and those recovering from an injury or surgery, or returning to exercise after a long layoff. For others, heart rate monitoring can track workout intensity and alert them to slow or fast resting heart rates that may merit a doctor’s visit.

Staying Healthy

Wearable fitness trackers may aid weight-loss efforts

Published July 1, 2021

A review published online March 17, 2021, by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that fitness trackers helped overweight or obese people with chronic conditions reduce body weight and body mass index.

Heart Health

Sensing abnormal heart rhythms with a smart speaker?

Updated June 1, 2021

Using artificial intelligence, smart speakers can be programmed to detect and monitor abnormal heart rhythms in people sitting within one to two feet of the speakers.

Heart Health

Treating sleep apnea: Good for your heart and mind?

Updated June 1, 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue at the back of the throat temporarily blocks the airway during sleep. People with sleep apnea face a heightened risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The condition can also affect mood, and some people diagnosed with depression may actually have sleep apnea. Treating apnea with positive airway pressure improves both high blood pressure and depression.

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Recent Articles

Foot pain: A look at why your feet might hurt

Matcha: A look at possible health benefits

Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health

Forearm workouts: Strengthening grip for everyday function

Depression symptoms: Recognizing common and lesser-known symptoms

Medication side effects: What are your options?

Independent living with home care assistance: Balancing autonomy and support

Dialysis: What to expect from this life-changing — and lifesaving — treatment

The BEEP program: Keep your balance

Hoarding: What to know about this mental health disorder

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