Smartwatch shows reaction to coronavirus vaccine

American experts assessed the human body’s response to coronavirus vaccines using smart watches. The study was published in the journal npj Digital Medicine.

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute (USA) said that smartwatches showed a person’s physiological response to vaccination against COVID-19. During the study, doctors analyzed sensor data on the heart rate during sleep more than 5,600 patients. It turned out that after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, the frequency of heart attacks increases significantly.

Also, experts learned that the effect of different types of vaccines on the body may differ. Thus, the greatest effect was recorded after receiving the second dose of the Moderna vaccine in young people.

The results of the study showed that the average heart rate (HR) at rest in patients significantly increased the day after vaccination. It peaked two days after vaccination and returned to normal four days after the first dose and six days after the second.

The experts also said that women experienced more significant changes in resting heart rate than men for five days after vaccination after the first dose. It turned out that in patients under the age of 40 years, changes in heart rate at rest were higher than in older people, but only after the second dose.

“While the relationship between physiological response and immune response still needs to be further explored, digital tracking may provide a new way to identify people who are not able to adequately tolerate vaccination,” said study author Dr. Steven Steinhubl.

In January 2021, American scientists said that smartwatches can report COVID-19 disease even before symptoms appear. During the study, doctors found that devices manufactured by Apple, Garmin and Fitbit helped to identify early signs of infection.