PETALING JAYA: Smartwatches and wearable devices do nudge people about health irregularities, but these are just reminders to seek professional medical advice and not medical verdicts.
These prompts should not be treated as a diagnosis, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
CLICK TO ENLARGEIts president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said movement, poor skin contact, signal interference or other non-medical factors can trigger false alerts.
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“Do not ignore such notifications, but do not rely on them alone, either,” he said.
If you receive a health alert from your smartwatch, consult a doctor who can use clinical tools like a proper electrocardiogram (ECG) machine.”
As wearable devices gain popularity, notifications of “irregular heartbeat” or “abnormal ECG” are pushing their users to consult their doctors for further checks.
Dr Thirunavukarasu also cautioned that not all smartwatch health features are approved for use in Malaysia.
Many carry disclaimers that state that the ECG or blood pressure functions are only approved in selected countries.
Dr Thirunavukarasu advised users to check whether the device or feature is listed in the Medical Device Authority (MDA) registry at mdar.mda.gov.my and whether the manufacturer supports its use in Malaysia for health monitoring.
Tech analyst and influencer Eizuwan Eizuddin, who reviews electronic gadgets, said fake or cloned smartwatches sold at a fraction of the price of branded models are often the main culprits behind false health readings that unnecessarily alarm users.
He said the accuracy of most smartwatches and fitness trackers depends heavily on build quality and sensor technology.
“In many of these counterfeit models, the readings are preset or simply made up, which can cause unnecessary panic among users,” he said, adding that some of the dud devices would produce a “heart reading” even if they were strapped to a cucumber.
Eizuwan, who holds a degree in sports science, said many of these fake devices are widely sold on online platforms at a fraction of the price of genuine models.
He added that beyond tracking heart rate, electrocardiac activity and oxygen levels, the latest high-end smartwatches are also capable of providing blood pressure readings through inflatable wrist straps and ECG functions.
“It is just a guide and can serve as a first layer of alert. The data can also be shared with a doctor to help assess the user’s condition, but it is unwise to rely entirely on these readings.
“Smartwatches can produce inaccurate readings if they are worn loosely, or even if the user has excessive hair or a tattoo on the wrist, which can prevent proper skin contact with the sensors,” he said.