Wearables with ECG capabilities have become part of everyday life: what’s next?

The use of smartwatches and AI-powered algorithms can facilitate the detection of atrial fibrillation, but a medical evaluation is still required. Innovative approaches such as the “Basel Wearable Clinic” enable efficient remote assessment of patient data. For specific clinical questions—such as after a stroke or in cases of unexplained fainting spells—long-term ECG patches or implantable loop recorders remain the gold standard due to their higher precision. The use of traditional 24-hour Holter ECGs, on the other hand, is declining.