How Smartwatches (and 2 Other Tools) Are Saving Lives Through Early Detection

As a cardiac sonographer, I’ve spent years looking at hearts—day in, day out. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the earlier we catch something, the better the outcome.

But here’s the problem—many of the most dangerous conditions don’t scream for attention.

They whisper.

They show up quietly, in irregular rhythms or subtle blood pressure spikes. They slip by undetected… until it’s too late.

That’s why I’m such a strong advocate for giving people the tools to monitor their health before there’s a crisis. Especially for the elderly, underserved, or those managing chronic conditions—early detection can be life-saving.

Below are three tools I wish every household had access to:

1. For the Heart: A Smartwatch That Detects AFib (Even When You Don’t Feel It)

Recommended: Withings ScanWatch – FDA-Approved for AFib Detection

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) causes nearly 1 in 5 strokes—and the strokes caused by AFib tend to be the most severe.

The scary part? Many people with AFib have no symptoms at all. No racing heart. No shortness of breath. Just a silent rhythm problem that can lead to a devastating outcome.

The Withings ScanWatch is currently the only smartwatch FDA-approved to detect AFib. It runs ECGs discreetly, tracks your heart rate variability, and can alert you to irregular rhythms even while you’re sleeping.

I’ve seen patients come in after a stroke only to realize they’d been in AFib for months.

This watch could’ve caught it early.

2. For Blood Pressure: A Reliable Home BP Monitor

Recommended: Omron Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Hypertension is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It doesn’t always make you feel bad—until it’s done damage.

A high-quality, upper-arm blood pressure monitor is a must, especially for:

• Adults over 40

• Anyone with diabetes, kidney issues, or heart disease

• Caregivers looking after aging parents

I like this Omron model for its clinical accuracy and ease of use.

The ability to track your pressure daily—not just when you’re at the doctor—can reveal trends that lead to early intervention.

3. For Oxygen Levels: A Pulse Oximeter

Recommended: Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Pulse Oximeter

This small device clips onto your finger and tells you your blood oxygen level and heart rate within seconds.

While it gained popularity during COVID, it’s incredibly helpful for:

• Monitoring heart failure and respiratory conditions

• Detecting sleep apnea risks

• Spotting sudden changes in elderly or immunocompromised patients

This model is reliable, fast, and easy for anyone to use at home.

The Bottom Line

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from this post, it’s this:

Health doesn’t always give us loud warnings.

But with the right tools, we can catch the whispers before they become roars.

Whether it’s for you, a parent, or a patient you’re caring for—these are small investments with the potential to change outcomes in a big way.

I’ve included links to the exact tools I recommend, but what matters most is that you start thinking about proactive care.

Your future self—or someone you love—might just thank you for it.

When Should a Practice Order an Echocardiogram?

Echocardiograms are a crucial tool in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions, but many primary care providers and specialists wonder: When is the right time to order one?

At Ultra View Imaging, we provide on-site mobile echocardiograms, making it easier than ever for practices to offer this essential test without sending patients elsewhere. Here’s when you should consider ordering an echocardiogram for your patients.

1. Unexplained Shortness of Breath or Fatigue

If a patient reports difficulty breathing, excessive fatigue, or exercise intolerance, an echocardiogram can help determine if heart failure, valve disease, or other cardiac dysfunctions are the cause.

2. Irregular Heartbeats or Palpitations

Frequent palpitations or irregular rhythms could be a sign of atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias, or structural abnormalities. An echocardiogram can assess the heart’s function and structure to guide treatment.

3. Heart Murmurs or Suspected Valve Disease

A new or changing heart murmur should always be evaluated with an echocardiogram to check for valvular stenosis, regurgitation, or congenital defects. Early detection can prevent complications down the line.

4. History of Hypertension or Stroke

Patients with long-term high blood pressure or a history of stroke may need an echocardiogram to assess left ventricular function, hypertrophy, or potential embolic sources that could increase their risk of future events.

5. Chest Pain or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

While an echocardiogram doesn’t directly visualize coronary arteries, it can assess for wall motion abnormalities, ejection fraction, and other indicators of ischemia or past heart attacks.

6. Preoperative Cardiac Risk Assessment

Patients undergoing major surgery, especially those with existing risk factors, may need a preoperative echocardiogram to assess cardiac function and potential surgical risks.

How Mobile Echocardiograms Improve Patient Care

Traditionally, referring a patient for an echocardiogram can lead to:
❌ Delays in scheduling
❌ Longer wait times for results
❌ Decreased patient compliance

With Ultra View Imaging’s mobile echocardiogram services, your practice can:
✅ Perform tests on-site with no equipment investment
✅ Get results faster, improving patient care and treatment planning
✅ Keep revenue within your practice instead of referring it out

Let’s Bring Mobile Ultrasound to Your Practice

If your practice regularly orders echocardiograms, why send patients elsewhere? Our expert sonographers bring the test to you—seamlessly, affordably, and efficiently.

📩 Contact us today to learn how mobile ultrasound can transform your patient care