Impact of wearable device monitoring on atrial fibrillation screening and cardiovascular risk prediction: a systematic review of the current literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3314Keywords:
atrial fibrillation, wearable devices, cardiovascular monitoring, cardiac arrhythmias, digital healthAbstract
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmias and is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. In this context, wearable devices have emerged as promising tools for continuous monitoring and early detection of cardiovascular abnormalities. This study aimed to analyze the impact of wearable monitoring on atrial fibrillation screening and cardiovascular risk prediction. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, with searches performed in the PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL databases, including studies published between 2021 and 2026. Clinical trials, observational studies, and diagnostic validation studies involving wearable devices equipped with photoplethysmography and portable electrocardiography sensors were included. Fifteen studies were selected for the final analysis. The findings demonstrated high specificity of wearable devices for atrial fibrillation detection, ranging from 74.9% to 100%, while sensitivity showed greater variability, ranging from 60% to 100%, mainly influenced by device algorithms and methodological characteristics of the studies. In addition, wearable technologies showed relevant potential for cardiovascular risk prediction through the analysis of digital biomarkers such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns, physical activity, and peak oxygen consumption. Reductions in estimated peak VO₂ were associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and unplanned cardiovascular events. In conclusion, wearable devices demonstrate significant clinical utility for atrial fibrillation screening and cardiovascular monitoring, although limitations related to sensitivity, continuous use requirements, and high costs still restrict their broader applicability.
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