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Some smartwatches can perform a simplified electrocardiogram, or ECG, by having the user place a finger on the watch. The smartwatch uses one lead, or point of contact. A medical-grade ECG typically uses 12 leads, allowing for a much more detailed analysis of the heart’s electrical activity.

The loss-of-pulse alert is an emergency feature that received FDA clearance in 2025. It is available on recent models of the Google Pixel Watch and is designed to detect when the heart stops beating due to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure or another medical emergency. If the device cannot detect a heartbeat, it first performs a loud countdown. If the wearer does not respond, it automatically calls emergency services.

Battery life is especially important to people who want to wear a device while sleeping. Smartwatches with large screens and many features may require daily charging, while simpler bands, rings and some Garmin watches can last a week or longer.

Wearable measurements should generally be treated as useful estimates rather than precise medical measurements. Experts recommend looking at patterns and trends over time. A wearable may help someone notice how their sleep changes after drinking alcohol or whether their activity level tends to be low during certain parts of the day. That information can help people make lifestyle adjustments or begin a conversation with a health care professional.

Medical alert devices prioritize safety over fitness and help older adults maintain their independence while providing family members with peace of mind. Depending on the system, the devices may contact family members, emergency responders or a 24-hour monitoring center when something goes wrong.