Wearable ECG Tech Aims to Prevent Heart Disease 

United States: A new study highlights how a “smart shirt” equipped with ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors can help identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease by measuring how quickly their heart rate stabilizes after exercise, as reported by HealthDay. 

According to senior researcher Manuel Hernandez, a biomedical sciences professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the heart’s response to physical activity is an early signal of cardiovascular health and even potential mortality risk. 

High-Tech Fabric Meets Heart Monitoring 

The study used smart shirts designed by Carré Technologies of Quebec. These garments collect real-time data on heart rate and electrical cardiac activity through embedded sensors, offering a non-invasive method of continuous monitoring.

Thirty-eight participants, aged 20 to 76, took part in treadmill walking exercises. Seven were later found to have high blood pressure—supporting the shirt’s accuracy in identifying potential cardiovascular concerns. 

Data That Doctors Can Use 

“This is about creating clinically actionable insight,” Hernandez said. The goal is to give healthcare providers early warnings through wearable data, allowing timely intervention. 

Co-researcher Richard Sowers emphasized the potential for wearables to improve healthcare access—particularly for rural communities where medical resources are limited. Data from smart clothing could be sent directly to doctors for review and diagnosis, as reported by HealthDay. 

Global Interest in Smart Shirt Technology 

The application of smart shirts is expanding worldwide. At a recent European Association of Urology conference, researchers in Italy shared how post-surgery patients wore smart shirts to track vital signs at home. Over 90% of patients said the shirts helped them feel secure during recovery.