All month long, we’ve shared stories of Black women who’ve used their harrowing experiences with heart failure as an opportunity to educate Black women about the reality that heart disease can happen to anyone. In fact, it happens to too many people because it’s the leading cause of death for women and men in the U.S. Black people are disproportionately impacted by it.
As American Heart Month comes to a close, we thought that the next step for you to take your heart health serious is to know the small but important ways you can track how this vital organ is working. Technology today makes that easier than ever. So we found seven gadgets to keep you abreast of the things that impact heart health, at prices for a wide range of budgets.
A unique feature of this smartwatch from Fitbit is that it can detect signs of AFib through its Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature. When signs of this show up, the feature notifies you so that you can let your healthcare provider know and figure out the next best steps. It also can keep track of your heart’s rhythm while you rest, and since you’re not impacted by the ups and downs of the day during that time, it’s an optimal period for tracking.
Available at Amazon
The higher the blood pressure, the higher the likelihood one might experience a heart attack or stroke. But if you have trouble with traditional BP monitors that go around the arm to keep track of your numbers, try one for the wrist. This option from CareTouch is an at-home option that is touted as being capable of detecting irregular heartbeat in addition to offering fast blood pressure readings in under a minute. It can store up to 60 readings so you can keep track of possible changes.
Available at Amazon
Using a new AI algorithm and multi-path LED sensor, the second iteration of the Google Pixel watch is more accurate than ever. It’s great for heart rate tracking, as well as for detecting irregularities like AFib. Should you have concerns that you’re dealing with an irregular heartbeat, there’s a test option, the electrocardiogram test, that can equip you with the proper data to take to your doctor. If you’re experiencing chest pains and discomforts, these features are useful for getting some answers that you can alert your provider about.
Available at Amazon
Chest strap monitors are still popular, especially Polar’s options. The latest one from the brand known for revolutionizing the wearable device, works with a wide variety of smart watches and is celebrated for its accuracy. Polar says the H10 is, in fact, their most accurate heart rate sensor yet, perfect for keeping track of how it’s pumping while exercising.
Available at Amazon
Users laud this gadget for offering medical-grade EKGs in under a minute. And in addition to detecting AFib, it can also help you to detect bradycardia, tachycardia and whether or not you have a normal sinus rhythm. Keeping track of your EKG readings, you can send any alarming findings directly to your doctor via email.
Available at Amazon
If you didn’t know, pulse oximeters can estimate heart rate, and they can measure a person’s blood oxygen saturation to diagnose the severity of heart failure. This affordable option can track pulse rate and SpO2 (the percentage of blood saturated with oxygen) throughout the night, including for those who don’t have a smartphone.
Available at Amazon
Laying flat around the arm, the heart rate monitor from this brand is getting lots of love from fitness enthusiasts. Without causing discomfort, the advanced sensor within the soft fabric band provides accurate data concerning heart rate. It has a battery life of more than 35 hours, and automatically powers on and off when you put on and take off the band.
Available at Amazon