Author: Connie Henson, Cojoint Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Studies, UNSW Sydney

Many people with atrial fibrillation don’t have any symptoms. But this heart condition – which involves an irregular and often rapid heartbeat – increases the risk of stroke and heart failure, especially if untreated. Wearable devices such as smart watches are playing an increasing role in monitoring heart conditions like atrial fibrillation. Our recently published study is the first to examine how older Indigenous people living remotely can use wearables to monitor their health. Although it was only a small study – with 11 people over five days – in that time one woman was able to realise her husband…