Precision in Pulse: The Accuracy of Wearable Heart Rate Monitors

Abstract

This study investigates the accuracy of wearable heart rate monitors, specifically smartwatches, in providing reliable heart rate measurements for outpatient monitoring aimed at the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given the growing popularity of smartwatches, verifying their accuracy compared to traditional methods is essential for integrating them into healthcare. A quantitative comparative experimental study was conducted with 25 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students, comparing manually palpated heart rates to smartwatch readings. Heart rate data was collected and analyzed to determine the level of agreement between the two methods. The results showed a 65% correlation between smartwatch readings and manual palpation, with an agreement within five beats per minute (bpm). While limitations, such as sample size and potential user error, were identified, findings suggest that smartwatches may be an effective tool for general cardiac monitoring. Further research with a larger sample is recommended to solidify these findings and explore potential applications.