Using wearable sensors to transform the understanding of cardiovascular disease: Prediction, mechanisms, and patient relevant endpoints.

There is a need for new ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease (CVD). One exciting advancement might be to use wearable sensors - think of them as research-grade Fitbit like devices - that are already used by an estimated 13 million people in the UK. My work has already shown that wrist-worn wearable sensors can provide valuable new insights on classic CVD risk factors, such as the discovery that physical activity is likely to be twice as important as previously thought for the prevention of CVD. However, wearable sensors offer the possibility of providing a lot more insight into ways to prevent and treat CVD. I will investigate if wearable sensors can help to (1) better identify who will go on to develop CVD (2) identify new drug targets for CVD (3) better test the effect of CVD treatments on day-to-day physical activity and sleep.