The Role of Wearable Devices in the Management of Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) represent a special healthcare challenge due to their high complexity, which accompanies them throughout all life stages. Consequently, this population faces increased morbidity and mortality rates, often linked to hemodynamic shifts in pulmonary flow or cardiac output. These risks are further compounded by potential arrhythmias and heart failure decompensation, which may lead to the progressive progression toward advanced stages of the disease. Unfortunately, standard outpatient follow-up is often not capable of responding to the continuous monitoring needs presented by these patients and their families. This selective review frames information on the wearable devices that have emerged as a key solution for continuous and remote monitoring. Beyond clinical tracking, research is increasingly focusing on their role in assessing physical activity—a critical determinant of health outcomes in the CHD population. This review examines the existing literature on wearable technology in both pediatric and adult patients while also addressing the current limitations that hinder their integration into routine clinical practice.