Smartwatches & AFib: What Your Wrist Can—and Can’t—Tell You About Your Heart

Smartwatches are changing the way millions of people discover heart rhythm problems—especially atrial fibrillation (AFib). But how accurate are devices like the Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy Watch? And what should you actually do if your watch alerts you to an irregular rhythm?

In this episode of EP-EDGE Heart Talk, cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down everything patients and caregivers need to know about smartwatch AFib detection, based on real science—not hype.

You’ll learn:

• How accurate smartwatches really are for detecting AFib (hint: very accurate when the signal is clean)
• Why false positives are common—especially in younger users
• What it means when your watch shows “Possible AFib” or “Inconclusive”
• How pacemakers, bundle branch blocks, and extra beats affect smartwatch readings
• Whether smartwatches can replace Holter monitors or track AFib after ablation
• When smartwatch alerts matter—and when they’re nothing to worry about
• How to use your device the right way to monitor heart health

This episode is designed for anyone who has ever wondered whether their AFib notification, irregular rhythm alert, or ECG recording is real, meaningful, or just an algorithm misfire.

EP-EDGE Heart Talk is your trusted voice for patient-friendly, accurate cardiology guidance—helping you understand your heart, your risks, and your options.

Atrial fibrillation—also known as AFib—is the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide, and understanding it early can dramatically improve long-term outcomes. In this episode of EP-EDGE Heart Talk, Dr. Niraj Sharma breaks down AFib in a simple, clear, and empowering way designed specifically for patients and caregivers.

You’ll learn:

• What atrial fibrillation is and how it affects the heart
• The four types of AFib (paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent, and permanent)
• Why early diagnosis matters and how AFib progresses over time
• Common symptoms—including subtle and overlooked signs
• The three pillars of AFib treatment:
  • Rate control and target resting heart-rate goals
  • Stroke prevention using the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score
  • Rhythm control through medications and catheter ablation
• How blood thinners reduce stroke risk, typical bleeding risks, and
  who may benefit from left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices like Watchman or Amulet
• When to consider AFib ablation and how success depends on the AFib type

This episode gives listeners the knowledge they need to understand AFib, ask informed questions, and take an active role in their care.

EP-EDGE Heart Talk — Guiding patients and caregivers, one heartbeat at a time.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email Dr. Sharma at: epedgcast@gmail.com