Almost half of UK adults monitor their health using wearable technology, yet a quarter of them admit they do not understand most of the data, according to a survey of 2,000 adults. The study found that 57% now wear some form of tech that tracks their heart rate, steps, sleep and blood pressure, with 46% actively monitoring their health via a watch, phone or smart ring.
However, 23% of those who track their health say they do not understand most of the data, and 60% have previously glanced at information on their device without knowing what it means. Meanwhile, 24% have completely disregarded health alerts from their device, with warnings about heart rate (40%), activity levels (35%) and stress (32%) being the most frequently ignored.
Lack of understanding leads to ignored alerts
The research was commissioned by Cromwell Hospital, which offers cardiology services alongside Bupa's other hospitals, King Edward VII's Hospital and New Victoria Hospital. Dr Neil Srinivasan, consultant cardiologist at Cromwell Hospital, said: "Wearable technology has changed the way people monitor their health. From steps to sleep and heart rate, we now have a wealth of data at our fingertips, people need to know what they are looking out for."
He added: "Worryingly, this lack of understanding is causing some to ignore alerts and signals which could indicate a serious health issue, particularly ones that are linked to our hearts. These alerts should not be ignored and should be checked out by a healthcare professional, who will be able to tell you what it means and if more investigations need to happen."
Common metrics and comprehension gaps
The research, carried out via OnePoll, revealed that steps taken (67%), heart rate (52%) and calories burned (46%) are the most commonly monitored health metrics using wearable devices. However, just 17% comprehend the data from their gadget that could be connected to irregular heart rhythms, and only 21% feel assured they can make sense of information regarding their respiratory rate.
When finding it difficult to grasp what their wearable device is communicating, 61% turn to online searches to discover what it means, while 30% simply ignore it. One in four (26%) admitted a lack of understanding caused them to worry unnecessarily. The survey also found that 28% of those who track their health via wearable tech have sought medical advice after getting an alert or information related to their wellbeing. For those who did get checked, 58% said it ended up being a minor issue, but 21% claimed it was an indicator of a serious health concern.
Wearable data aiding diagnosis and new preventive tools
More than a third (35%) have referenced data from their wearable tech device when speaking to a medical professional, with 26% of those believing it led to an easier or faster diagnosis. As technology continues to provide new ways of understanding health, wearable data is increasingly being complemented by other tools that can help people identify risks of serious diseases years before symptoms develop.
From 1 September 2026, Bupa will launch a new first-to-market genomics prevention-focused pathway for cardiovascular disease. It will use DNA insights to identify individuals at increased risk and connect them with preventive services included within their health cover, such as Bupa's Weight Management Plan, to reduce their likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease in future. Dr Srinivasan added: "Technology is allowing us to get far more information about our bodies than ever before, information that previously would only be available from a doctor. Understanding the data to spot any early warning signs of health concerns that might not be quite as they should be, and get treatment faster, especially when it comes to our heart health."
