**Description:** A medical device is a general term that refers to any apparatus, instrument, machine, or implant used for medical purposes. In the context of wearables, these devices are portable and designed to be worn on the human body, providing real-time data about the user’s health. Wearables can include everything from smartwatches that monitor heart rate to more advanced devices that record the electrical activity of the heart or blood glucose levels. The main feature of these devices is their ability to collect and analyze biometric data, allowing users and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about wellness and disease prevention. Additionally, wearables are often connected to mobile applications or cloud platforms, facilitating continuous health monitoring and access to relevant information. Their relevance has grown in the last decade, driven by technological advancements and increasing awareness of the importance of personal health and self-care.
**History:** Wearable medical devices have their roots in the 1960s when the first heart rate monitors were developed. However, their popularity began to grow significantly in the 2010s with the advent of technologies like smartphones and Bluetooth connectivity. In 2015, the launch of the Apple Watch marked an important milestone, popularizing the use of wearables for health monitoring. Since then, the market has rapidly evolved, with a variety of devices offering advanced health tracking features.
**Uses:** Wearable medical devices are primarily used for health and physical activity monitoring. They allow users to track metrics such as heart rate, sleep, physical activity, and glucose levels. They are also used in clinical settings for monitoring patients with chronic diseases, facilitating real-time data collection, and improving medical care.
**Examples:** Examples of wearable medical devices include fitness trackers that monitor physical activity and sleep; smartwatches that offer electrocardiogram and health monitoring features; and devices like the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), which allows diabetics to continuously monitor their glucose levels.
