THORNTON, Colo. — An estimated one in five Americans now wears a smart watch, according to the Pew Research Center, and their popularity continues to grow.
Now, doctors at Kaiser Permanente say the devices could hold an additional health benefit as they roll out a new virtual cardiac rehabilitation program in Colorado.
That program outfits heart attack survivors with a smart watch and Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff, allowing doctors to monitor certain vital signs around the clock.
“It allows us to monitor a patient’s exercise, their heart rate, and other vital signs remotely, rather than having to come into a medical office setting to do so.” Dr. Lucas Marzec said.
Marzec says about 80 patients are currently enrolled in the program, including 87-year-old Arlene Lehman, who lives in Northglenn.
Lehman suffered a cardiac event last fall, shortly after wrapping up practice for a senior band that meets weekly at a Thornton recreation center.
“It was terrifying not to be able to breathe. I didn’t know what was happening. I didn’t know I was having heart issues.” Lehman said.
Lehman admits she was hesitant about the new technology at first, considering she’s never worn a smart watch.
“My two-year-old great granddaughter can do more on a computer pad than I can,” she jokes. “But now, I’m so grateful for it.”
Lehman uploads the data from her smart watch onto a Kaiser app on her phone, which transfers the information to her care team.
“All through the day I can check my smart watch, and I can see what my heartbeat is. At night, I can take my blood pressure, and those stats are forwarded on to my care team," Lehman said.
Lehman is back at band practice full time and says she’s thankful for the chance to monitor her heart in real time.
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