How to Use Your Smartwatch to Monitor Your Blood Oxygen Levels Throughout the Day and Identify Potential Health Issues

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

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In the era of digital health monitoring, smartwatches have become an indispensable tool for those aiming to track their health metrics and improve their lifestyle. Canada, with its tech-savvy population, is no exception. This article provides an in-depth review of five of the best health-monitoring smartwatches available in the Canadian market. Each product is evaluated based on features, pros and cons, and customer reviews.

Best smartwatch for health monitoring in Canada 2023

1. SoundPEATS Smart Watch Fitness Tracker

Features:

Health and Fitness Tracking: Tracks heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2) levels, and sleep patterns to provide a comprehensive overview of your health.
Multiple Sport Modes: Includes 12 different workout modes, such as walking, running, cycling, yoga, and more.
IP68 Waterproof Rating: Can be used during swimming or other water-based activities.
Large Touchscreen: Features a 1.4-inch touchscreen for easy navigation.
Long Battery Life: Can last up to 10 days on a single charge.
Smart Notifications: Connects to your smartphone to show call, text, and app notifications.

Pros:

Offers a comprehensive range of health tracking features.
Multiple sports modes make it a versatile choice for fitness enthusiasts.
The waterproof rating allows for use during swimming.
The large touchscreen is easy to navigate.
Long battery life reduces the frequency of charging.
Affordable price point.

Cons:

Some users have reported difficulties syncing the device with their smartphones.
A heart rate monitor may not be as accurate during high-intensity workouts.
The build quality could be improved.

Customer Reviews:

Overall, the SoundPEATS Smart Watch Fitness Tracker has received positive reviews. Users appreciate its affordable price point and comprehensive feature set. The long battery life is also frequently praised. However, some users have noted issues with syncing the device with their smartphones, and a few have questioned the accuracy of the heart rate monitor during intense workouts.

2. Garmin Venu 2, GPS Smartwatch with Advanced Health Monitoring (010-02430-01)

Features:

Advanced Health Monitoring: Includes heart rate, sleep, stress, hydration tracking, and more. It also has a Pulse Ox sensor for SpO2 tracking.
Body Battery Energy Monitoring: This shows your bodys energy levels throughout the day, helping you schedule workouts and rest times.
Built-in GPS: Allows you to track your outdoor activities accurately.
Fitness Age: This feature estimates whether your body is younger or older than you are, based on how well youre maintaining your health.
Smart Notifications: Displays calls, texts, and app notifications from your smartphone.
Music: You can download songs or playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer right to your watch.

Pros:

Advanced health monitoring features provide a comprehensive overview of your health.
The Body Battery feature is unique and useful for planning your day.
Built-in GPS allows for accurate tracking of outdoor activities.
Fitness Age is an interesting feature that encourages health improvement.
Music storage and playback add to the convenience.

Cons:

More expensive compared to other smartwatches on the market.
Some users have reported issues with syncing music.

Customer Reviews:

The Garmin Venu 2 has received generally positive reviews. Users praise its advanced health monitoring features, particularly the Body Battery Energy Monitoring. The built-in GPS is another well-liked feature. However, some users have reported difficulties syncing music, and others feel the watch is a bit pricey.

3. HUAWEI Band 7 Smartwatch Health and Fitness Tracker

Features:

Health Monitoring: Includes heart rate, sleep, stress, and SpO2 tracking to provide a well-rounded overview of your health.
90 Workout Modes: Includes a wide range of workout modes, from yoga and swimming to more unique modes like belly dancing.
Battery Life: Offers up to 14 days of battery life on a single charge.
5ATM Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Smart Notifications: Displays incoming calls, messages, and app notifications from your smartphone.

Pros:

Comprehensive health monitoring features.
An extensive range of workout modes caters to various fitness activities.
Long battery life is a major plus for users.
Water resistance adds to its versatility.
Provides smart notifications for added convenience.

Cons:

Some users find the screen a bit small for comfortable navigation.
Syncing with smartphones can be tricky for some users.

Customer Reviews:

Customers have generally positive feedback for the HUAWEI Band 7. They appreciate the extensive workout modes, long battery life, and comprehensive health tracking features. However, some users have mentioned that the screen size could be larger for easier navigation.

4. AITAFY Smart Watch for Men Women

Features:

Health Tracking: Tracks heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2 levels, and sleep patterns.
Multiple Sport Modes: Includes various workout modes for tracking different types of exercises.
Long Battery Life: Lasts up to 7-9 days on a single charge.
IP67 Waterproof Rating: Can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water.
Smart Notifications: Connects with your smartphone to display call, text, and app notifications.

Pros:

Comprehensive health tracking features.
Long battery life reduces the need for frequent charging.
Multiple sports modes enhance its versatility.
Smart notifications keep you connected.

Cons:

Not suitable for swimming due to its IP67 water resistance rating.
Some users have reported inaccurate blood pressure readings.

Customer Reviews:

The AITAFY Smart Watch has received mixed reviews from customers. Many appreciate its health-tracking features and long battery life. However, some users have reported inaccuracies in the blood pressure readings. The fact that it cant be used for swimming due to its water resistance rating is also a downside for some users.

5. TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch Qualcomm SDW4100

Features:

Health and Fitness Tracking: Includes heart rate, sleep, stress, and SpO2 tracking, and also offers a unique feature tracking of blood glucose levels.
Built-in GPS and NFC: Allows you to track your outdoor activities accurately and supports Google Pay.
Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 Platform: Ensures a smooth and fast user experience.
Dual Display: Features an innovative dual display for extended battery life.
Smart Notifications: Displays calls, texts, and app notifications from your smartphone.

Pros:

Advanced health tracking features, including blood glucose level tracking.
Built-in GPS and NFC add to its functionality.
The Snapdragon Wear 4100 Platform ensures a smooth user experience.
The dual display extends battery life and provides a unique user experience.
Smart notifications keep you connected.

Cons:

The watch is on the pricier side.
Some users find the watch a bit bulky due to its advanced features and dual display.

Customer Reviews:

The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch has generally positive reviews. Users appreciate the advanced health tracking features and the smooth user experience provided by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 Platform. The dual display is another well-liked feature. However, some users feel that the watch is a bit bulky, and others have noted that its more expensive compared to other smartwatches on the market.

Smartwatch for health monitoring buying guide

Identify Your Health Monitoring Needs

Different smartwatches offer various health-tracking features. Therefore, its essential to identify your specific health monitoring needs. If youre an athlete, you might require advanced features like VO2 max readings or detailed workout analysis. In contrast, if youre primarily concerned about general wellness, tools for tracking sleep patterns, stress levels, and daily activity might suffice.

Consider Compatibility

Before purchasing a smartwatch, ensure its compatible with your smartphone as most smartwatches pair with a companion app on your phone. While many smartwatches work with both Android and iOS devices, some, like the Apple Watch, function best within their specific ecosystem.

Battery Life is Key

The smartwatchs battery life will impact its ability to track your health parameters continuously. If you want to monitor your sleep, youll need a watch that can last through the day and night. Battery life varies across models, from 18 hours on the Apple Watch to multiple days or even weeks on some Fitbit and Garmin models.

Evaluate Design and Comfort

Since a health monitoring smartwatch is likely to be worn throughout the day, comfort and design are crucial considerations. Look for a lightweight smartwatch with a comfortable band that suits your wrist size. Some smartwatches offer interchangeable bands, allowing you to customize the look to match your style or occasion.

Set a Budget

Prices of smartwatches can range widely, from under $100 to several hundred dollars. Determine how much youre willing to spend and then find a smartwatch with the best health features within your budget.

Check Water Resistance

If you plan on swimming or showering with your smartwatch, ensure it has a suitable water resistance rating. Most health monitoring smartwatches today are at least splash-resistant, while others can be used during swimming or other water-based activities.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Finally, consider the reputation of the brand and read user reviews. Reputable brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and Samsung are known for their reliable and accurate health-tracking features. Reviews from other users can provide insights into the smartwatchs real-world performance and reliability.

In conclusion, choosing the best smartwatch for health monitoring involves careful consideration of your health needs, budget, and personal preferences. By taking into account the above factors, youre more likely to find a smartwatch that not only keeps a close eye on your health but also suits your lifestyle perfectly.

Uses of Smartwatches for Health Monitoring

1. Heart Rate Monitoring

One of the most common features in smartwatches is heart rate monitoring. The watch can continuously track your heart rate throughout the day, providing valuable data about your resting heart rate and heart rate during activities. This data can help identify irregularities or potential health issues that warrant further medical attention.

2. Sleep Tracking

Smartwatches can also monitor your sleep patterns, providing insights into the duration and quality of your sleep. They can track the stages of sleep, including light, deep, and REM sleep, helping you understand your sleep health better and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle for better sleep quality.

3. Activity Tracking

Most smartwatches come with a built-in pedometer to count the number of steps you take each day. They can also monitor other physical activities such as cycling, swimming, or gym workouts. This information is crucial in helping you reach your fitness goals.

4. Calorie Counting

Smartwatches can estimate the number of calories you burn throughout the day based on your physical activities and biometric data. This feature is beneficial for those looking to maintain, gain, or lose weight.

5. Stress Monitoring

Some smartwatches can monitor stress levels by analyzing variations in your heart rate. When the watch detects high stress, it may suggest breathing exercises or mindfulness activities to help you relax.

6. ECG and Blood Pressure Monitoring

Advanced smartwatches can generate an electrocardiogram (ECG) and monitor blood pressure. These features can potentially identify heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or hypertension. However, they should not replace regular check-ups with a healthcare professional.

7. Blood Oxygen Level Monitoring

Some smartwatches have a SpO2 sensor that can measure your blood oxygen levels. This feature can be crucial for those with respiratory conditions or for monitoring your health at high altitudes.

8. Menstrual Cycle Tracking

For women, certain smartwatches offer menstrual cycle tracking. This feature allows users to log periods, track menstrual cycles, and estimate ovulation, helping them understand their reproductive health better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How accurate are smartwatches in health monitoring?

While smartwatches offer a broad range of health-tracking features, their accuracy may not match medical-grade devices. However, they are generally reliable for providing a good overall picture of your health and fitness trends. Any significant or consistent irregularities detected by a smartwatch should be followed up with a healthcare professional.

2. Can a smartwatch detect heart disease or other serious conditions?

Smartwatches can detect irregularities in heart rhythms and, in some cases, generate an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. While these features can provide early warnings about potential heart issues, they cannot diagnose heart disease or other serious conditions. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional if your smartwatch alerts you to potential heart issues.

3. How can I get the best use of my smartwatch for health monitoring?

To maximize the benefits of your smartwatch, wear it consistently and ensure that its properly fitted on your wrist. Regularly sync your smartwatch with its companion app to review and understand the data it collects. Also, set goals and use the smartwatch to track your progress over time.

4. Do I need a smartphone to use a smartwatch?

While most smartwatches require a smartphone for initial setup and to access certain features, some models have standalone capabilities, including cellular connectivity. However, to fully utilize all health monitoring features, its typically beneficial to use a smartwatch in conjunction with a compatible smartphone.

5. Can a smartwatch replace a visit to the doctor?

While smartwatches are powerful tools for health monitoring, they should not replace regular visits to the doctor. These devices can provide valuable insights into your daily health trends and alert you to potential issues, but they are not designed to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

6. Are there any privacy concerns with using a smartwatch for health monitoring?

Smartwatches collect a substantial amount of personal health data. While most manufacturers have policies in place to protect user data, there are valid concerns about data privacy. Its important to understand the manufacturers privacy policy before using a smartwatch for health monitoring. Also, ensure that your devices software is regularly updated for optimal security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing the best smartwatch for health monitoring in Canada, its important to consider your personal health needs, budget, and preferences. The SoundPEATS Smart Watch Fitness Tracker, Garmin Venu 2, HUAWEI Band 7 Smartwatch Health and Fitness Tracker, AITAFY Smart Watch for Men Women, and TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS Smartwatch all offer a range of health tracking features, but they differ in terms of price, design, and additional functionalities. By understanding the pros, cons, and customer reviews of each, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle.