Advances in wearable biotechnology for cardiac monitoring

Abstract

Wearable biotechnology is enhancing cardiac health monitoring by enabling continuous data collection for early detection and better management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Recent advancements, such as multi-sensor integration, combine electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate variability, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation monitoring to provide a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment and improve diagnostic precision. Innovations in energy-harvesting technologies, like thermoelectric and piezoelectric materials, extend battery life, reducing the need for frequent recharging and increasing patient adherence. Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly concerning data security, which requires robust encryption methods and secure data transmission protocols. Regulatory frameworks like the GDPR and HIPAA need to evolve to accommodate technological progress, ensuring new devices are safe and quickly brought to market. Enhancing interoperability with electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial to maximizing the clinical utility of wearable devices. Future research should focus on developing biochemical sensors to detect specific biomarkers in bodily fluids, refining AI algorithms for personalized diagnostics, and establishing standards for data sharing and integration. Collaboration among healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and technology developers is essential to overcoming current barriers, expanding clinical applications, and ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health.