Smartwatches – More Than Just Step Counters
Smartwatches and fitness bands track steps and heart rate, but new research suggests they can also reveal critical insights into heart health. With simple calculations, these devices could help detect cardiovascular risks early.
The Key Metric – Daily Heart Rate Per Step (DHRPS)
According to TOI, researchers from Northwestern University found that dividing the daily average heart rate by the number of steps taken (DHRPS) offers a strong predictor of cardiovascular health. A higher DHRPS indicates potential heart inefficiencies.
Linking DHRPS to Heart Disease
The study, analysing over 5.8 million person-days and 51 billion steps, found that elevated DHRPS correlates with serious heart conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and coronary atherosclerosis.
Why DHRPS Matters?
DHRPS reflects how efficiently your heart supports physical activity. A higher value suggests that the heart is working harder than necessary, potentially signaling cardiovascular strain or disease risk.
Easy Calculation for Big Insights
“You just have to do a bit of math," leads researcher Zhanlin Chen said. This simple formula, using data already available in smartwatches, can help individuals and doctors monitor heart health proactively.
The Future of Wearable Heart Health Monitoring
With further research and awareness, smartwatches could become early warning systems for heart conditions. By tracking and analysing DHRPS, people may take preventive steps to maintain better cardiovascular health.
