Smart healthcare gadgets and services can improve our heart health by monitoring vital signs and alerting us to any unusual rhythms and behaviors for further investigation. Some can help us learn about – and potentially improve – our sleeping patterns; while some of the best fitness trackers will help monitor our running metrics, training sessions, and activity, and portable, smart electronics provide testing kits for everything from gluten to blood pressure readings.  There are technology vendors out there who have developed home wearables and medical devices that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared or approved. Other solutions might not have the US regulator’s seal of approval or suit a specific medical purpose, but can still be invaluable in monitoring your health.  Smartwatches, cuffs. necklaces, and other devices small enough to be thrown into your bag that also perform as medical devices are all now common and widely available. They can be stylish, too, and can suit a range of budgets. 

Top heart rate monitors

Below, we have showcased some of our favorite heart rate tracking monitors for 2022.  

Top blood pressure monitors

Below, we have showcased some of our favorite blood pressure monitors for 2022.  
The developer says the device may be useful in detecting atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia, and results can be stored to send to medical professionals if users choose to do so. However, this device is not recommended for those with pacemakers.  Pros

Portable size Email your EKGs to your doctor

Cons

Cannot use if you have a pacemaker Subscription required for advanced features

The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest flagship model in the product range and while the device can be connected to your phone for a variety of tasks – such as receiving notifications, listening to music, paying for goods, and sending messages – the watch also comes with a blood oxygen reader, fitness app compatibility, activity monitor, and many other health-related features. The watch can take an EKG measurement via your fingertip in 30 seconds, and has a sensor that functions as an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ‘always on’ Retina display size is larger than predecessor models, which could help those with visual impairments. Pros

Doubles as one of the best smartwatchesComes with tons of health sensors and monitors

Cons

Only works with iPhones Expensive 

Users can expect long battery life of at least six days. If you want the latest in the line, FitBit’s Versa 3 is also available, but as a budget-friendly heart rate sensor, the Versa 2 is still a perfectly good product. Pros

Fairly inexpensive compared to competitorsGreat product to monitor your all-around fitness Great for swimmers, runners, cyclists, or even triathletes

Cons

Monthly FitBit Premium membership fee 

Top health tech gadgets

 Below, we have showcased some of our favorite health tech gadgets for 2022. 
The BPM Connect has been cleared by the FDA and provided color-coded blood pressure readings. A sharing feature is included on iOS to share reports with your doctor. Pros

Inexpensive Get feedback based on the American Heart Association recommendations 

Cons

Sharing feature only compatible with iOSMust need Wi-Fi to work 

If you, or someone you know, needs to keep an eye on blood pressure, this could be a valuable device to own. The monitor is able to store up to 14 readings at a time per user, and an accompanying app can be used to access and check results.  The device will tell users if it detects irregularities so they can go to their doctor. AA batteries are required. Pros

Budget-friendly optionEasy to use

Cons

Needs to replace batteries often Make sure the arm band fits properly or you can get inaccurate readings 

You can clip the main tracker onto the wraparound bracelet or wear it separately, and so the wearable doubles up as both a basic tracker and fashion accessory. The tracker itself can be used to monitor activity levels and sleep, among other functions.  The Leaf Urban is battery-operated and pairs with an accompanying app via Bluetooth connectivity. Pros

Super stylish designTracks activity, sleep, stress, meditation, and reproductive health

Cons

Not compatible with Android Non-rechargeable battery

More advanced devices require tapes across the chest, embedded with sensors that can more accurately read a heart and its rhythm. As in the case of ZDNet’s Jason Perlow, for example, irregular heart rhythms picked up by his Apple Watch Nike+ Series 2 were then explored further through a chest ePatch.  If you just want to check your resting/active heart rate and steps, a dedicated tracker is enough. However, if you want a product that measures your health as a side function, a smartwatch might be the better option, albeit potentially a more expensive investment.  Home blood pressure monitors can be easy to use and inexpensive. According to Harvard Medical School,  people watching their pressure at home should ask their doctor for their recommendations on frequency – whether this is once a week or once a month – and note that the best time to perform a check is early in the morning.  While deciding, you should keep in mind that no technology product can replace a competent doctor’s expertise or understanding of your health, and although health-based devices can be a valuable source of insight, they should only be considered an accompaniment to professional care.

title: “Best Heart Rate Monitors 2022 Top Wearable Tech Gadgets” ShowToc: true date: “2023-04-05” author: “Alice Brown”

Smart healthcare gadgets and services can improve our heart health by monitoring vital signs and alerting us to any unusual rhythms and behaviors for further investigation. Some can help us learn about – and potentially improve – our sleeping patterns; while some of the best fitness trackers will help monitor our running metrics, training sessions, and activity, and portable, smart electronics provide testing kits for everything from gluten to blood pressure readings.  There are technology vendors out there who have developed home wearables and medical devices that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared or approved. Other solutions might not have the US regulator’s seal of approval or suit a specific medical purpose, but can still be invaluable in monitoring your health.  Smartwatches, cuffs. necklaces, and other devices small enough to be thrown into your bag that also perform as medical devices are all now common and widely available. They can be stylish, too, and can suit a range of budgets. 

Top heart rate monitors

Below, we have showcased some of our favorite heart rate tracking monitors for 2022.  

Top blood pressure monitors

Below, we have showcased some of our favorite blood pressure monitors for 2022.  
The developer says the device may be useful in detecting atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia, and results can be stored to send to medical professionals if users choose to do so. However, this device is not recommended for those with pacemakers.  Pros

Portable size Email your EKGs to your doctor

Cons

Cannot use if you have a pacemaker Subscription required for advanced features

The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest flagship model in the product range and while the device can be connected to your phone for a variety of tasks – such as receiving notifications, listening to music, paying for goods, and sending messages – the watch also comes with a blood oxygen reader, fitness app compatibility, activity monitor, and many other health-related features. The watch can take an EKG measurement via your fingertip in 30 seconds, and has a sensor that functions as an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ‘always on’ Retina display size is larger than predecessor models, which could help those with visual impairments. Pros

Doubles as one of the best smartwatchesComes with tons of health sensors and monitors

Cons

Only works with iPhones Expensive 

Users can expect long battery life of at least six days. If you want the latest in the line, FitBit’s Versa 3 is also available, but as a budget-friendly heart rate sensor, the Versa 2 is still a perfectly good product. Pros

Fairly inexpensive compared to competitorsGreat product to monitor your all-around fitness Great for swimmers, runners, cyclists, or even triathletes

Cons

Monthly FitBit Premium membership fee 

Top health tech gadgets

 Below, we have showcased some of our favorite health tech gadgets for 2022. 
The BPM Connect has been cleared by the FDA and provided color-coded blood pressure readings. A sharing feature is included on iOS to share reports with your doctor. Pros

Inexpensive Get feedback based on the American Heart Association recommendations 

Cons

Sharing feature only compatible with iOSMust need Wi-Fi to work 

If you, or someone you know, needs to keep an eye on blood pressure, this could be a valuable device to own. The monitor is able to store up to 14 readings at a time per user, and an accompanying app can be used to access and check results.  The device will tell users if it detects irregularities so they can go to their doctor. AA batteries are required. Pros

Budget-friendly optionEasy to use

Cons

Needs to replace batteries often Make sure the arm band fits properly or you can get inaccurate readings 

You can clip the main tracker onto the wraparound bracelet or wear it separately, and so the wearable doubles up as both a basic tracker and fashion accessory. The tracker itself can be used to monitor activity levels and sleep, among other functions.  The Leaf Urban is battery-operated and pairs with an accompanying app via Bluetooth connectivity. Pros

Super stylish designTracks activity, sleep, stress, meditation, and reproductive health

Cons

Not compatible with Android Non-rechargeable battery

More advanced devices require tapes across the chest, embedded with sensors that can more accurately read a heart and its rhythm. As in the case of ZDNet’s Jason Perlow, for example, irregular heart rhythms picked up by his Apple Watch Nike+ Series 2 were then explored further through a chest ePatch.  If you just want to check your resting/active heart rate and steps, a dedicated tracker is enough. However, if you want a product that measures your health as a side function, a smartwatch might be the better option, albeit potentially a more expensive investment.  Home blood pressure monitors can be easy to use and inexpensive. According to Harvard Medical School,  people watching their pressure at home should ask their doctor for their recommendations on frequency – whether this is once a week or once a month – and note that the best time to perform a check is early in the morning.  While deciding, you should keep in mind that no technology product can replace a competent doctor’s expertise or understanding of your health, and although health-based devices can be a valuable source of insight, they should only be considered an accompaniment to professional care.