More than half of Brits own some form of wearable technology (Image: Getty Images)
Nearly half of adults track their health via wearable tech – but a quarter admit they have no idea what they are looking out for. A study of 2,000 adults found 57% now wear some sort of tech which monitors their heart rate, steps, sleep and even blood pressure.
Nearly half (46%) actively track their health and wellbeing via their watch, phone or smart ring. However, 23% of those admit they don’t know what most of the information is telling them, with 60% having previously looked at data on their device unaware of what it means.
Meanwhile, 24% have completely ignored health alerts from their device, with heart rate (40%), activity levels (35%), and stress (32%) warnings the most commonly overlooked.
Not everyone can interpret the data on their devices (Image: Getty Images)
The study was commissioned by Cromwell Hospital, which offers cardiology services alongside Bupa’s other hospitals, King Edward VII’s Hospital and New Victoria Hospital.
Dr Neil Srinivasan, consultant cardiologist at Cromwell Hospital, said: “Wearable technology has changed the way people monitor their health. From steps to sleep and heart rate, we now have a wealth of data at our fingertips, people need to know what they are looking out for.
“Worryingly, this lack of understanding is causing some to ignore alerts and signals which could indicate a serious health issue, particularly ones that are linked to our hearts.
“These alerts should not be ignored and should be checked out by a healthcare professional, who will be able to tell you what it means and if more investigations need to happen.
“We know that early diagnosis can be lifesaving. Using all the tools at our disposal, including wearable technology and preventative screenings, is key to maintaining good health particularly for your heart.”
The study found steps taken (67%), heart rate (52%) and calories burned (46%) are the most common health areas to be tracked using wearable tech. But just 17% understand the data from their device which could be linked to irregular heart rhythms and only 21% feel confident they can interpret the information on their respiratory rate.
When struggling to understand what their wearable tech is telling them, 61% resort to searching online to see what it means, while 30% simply ignore it. However, one in four (26%) admitted a lack of understanding caused them to worry unnecessarily.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 28% of those who track their health via wearable tech have sought medical advice after getting an alert or information related to their wellbeing.
Experts say health alerts from devices shouldn’t go unchecked (Image: Getty Images)
For those who did get checked, 58% of those said it ended up being a minor issue, but 21% claimed it was an indicator of a serious health concern.
More than a third (35%) have also referenced the data from their wearable tech device when speaking to a medical professional, with 26% of those believing it led to an easier or faster diagnosis.
As technology continues to provide new ways of understanding our health, wearable data is increasingly being complemented by other tools that can help people to identify risks of serious diseases years before symptoms develop.
From 1 September 2026, Bupa will launch a new first-to-market genomics prevention-focused pathway for cardiovascular disease.
It will use DNA insights to identify individuals at increased risk and connect them with preventive services included within their health cover, such as Bupa’s Weight Management Plan, to reduce their likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease in future.
Dr Srinivasan added: “Technology is allowing us to get far more information about our bodies than ever before, information that previously would only be available from a doctor.
“Understanding the data to spot any early warning signs of health concerns that might not be quite as they should be, and get treatment faster, especially when it comes to our heart health.”
TOP 20 ASPECTS OF HEALTH TRACKED VIA WEARABLE TECH:
- Steps taken
- Heart rate (resting, average and active)
- Calories burned
- Sleep duration
- Distance travelled
- Active minutes
- Sleep quality and efficiency
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Blood pressure
- Sleep stages (light, deep and REM sleep)
- Stress levels
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
- Respiratory rate (breaths per minute)
- Recovery status after exercise
- Sleep debt and recovery scores
- Hydration levels
- Irregular heart rhythms (e.g. possible atrial fibrillation)
- Relaxation and mindfulness tracking
- Menstrual cycle/ fertility levels
- Breathing disturbances during sleep
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
