Smartwatches have gotten pretty good at detecting atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, affecting nearly 38 million people globally. But many people brush off the alert, assuming that if they feel fine, it probably isn’t a big deal. New research presented at EHRA 2026 in Paris suggests that’s a mistake worth reconsidering.
The study is a post-hoc analysis of two large Swedish screening programs, STROKESTOP and STROKESTOP II, in which adults aged 75 to 76 were screened for atrial fibrillation using an ECG. Researchers tracked participants for several years to see who went on to develop heart failure.
The numbers are hard to ignore. In STROKESTOP, about 23% of people whose atrial fibrillation was caught through screening later developed heart failure. STROKESTOP II returned a similar figure of around 20%.
What does this have to do with your smartwatch?
If you have ever watched any Apple Watch keynote video, you know Apple likes to showcase how its smartwatch is helping people avoid heart attacks thanks to its atrial fibrillation (AF) detection feature.
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Apple Watch is not the lone smartwatch doing this. Most modern smartwatches can detect atrial fibrillation, quietly, in people who feel perfectly fine and have no obvious symptoms. This research shows that asymptomatic does not mean harmless.
People with screening-detected atrial fibrillation had roughly three times the heart failure risk compared to those without atrial fibrillation.
Why should you act on it fast?
Heart failure showed up within six months of atrial fibrillation detection in both studies. That’s a short window, and it makes the case for treating a smartwatch alert as a reason to see a doctor sooner rather than later.
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Doctor Gina Sado from Danderyd Hospital in Stockholm, who led the research, noted that atrial fibrillation and heart failure accelerate each other, and catching both early gives patients the best chance at managing both conditions effectively.
So when your smartwatch gives you an AF warning, it’s probably a good idea to consult your doctor. At worst, nothing is wrong, and you pay for a checkup. But in most cases, it will prevent a scary health condition.
Google Maps has a long list of hidden (and sometimes, just underrated) features that help you navigate seamlessly. But I was not a big fan of using Google Maps for walking: that is, until I started using the right set of features that helped me navigate better.
Add layers to your map
See more information on the screen
Layers are an incredibly useful yet underrated feature that can be utilized for all modes of transport. These help add more details to your map beyond the default view, so you can plan your journey better.
To use layers, open your Google Maps app (Android, iPhone). Tap the layer icon on the upper right side (under your profile picture and nearby attractions options). You can switch your map type from default to satellite or terrain, and overlay your map with details, such as traffic, transit, biking, street view (perfect for walking), and 3D (Android)/raised buildings (iPhone) (for buildings). To turn off map details, go back to Layers and tap again on the details you want to disable.
In particular, adding a street view and 3D/raised buildings layer can help you gauge the terrain and get more information about the landscape, so you can avoid tricky paths and discover shortcuts.
Set up Live View
Just hold up your phone
A feature that can help you set out on walks with good navigation is Google Maps’ Live View. This lets you use augmented reality (AR) technology to see real-time navigation: beyond the directions you see on your map, you are able to see directions in your live view through your camera, overlaying instructions with your real view. This feature is very useful for travel and new areas, since it gives you navigational insights for walking that go beyond a 2D map.
To use Live View, search for a location on Google Maps, then tap “Directions.” Once the route appears, tap “Walk,” then tap “Live View” in the navigation options. You will be prompted to point your camera at things like buildings, stores, and signs around you, so Google Maps can analyze your surroundings and give you accurate directions.
Credit: Google
Download maps offline
Google Maps without an internet connection
Whether you’re on a hiking trip in a low-connectivity area or want offline maps for your favorite walking destinations, having specific map routes downloaded can be a great help. Google Maps lets you download maps to your device while you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and use them when your device is offline.
For Android, open Google Maps and search for a specific place or location. In the placesheet, swipe right, then tap More > Download offline map > Download. For iPhone, search for a location on Google Maps, then, at the bottom of your screen, tap the name or address of the place. Tap More > Download offline map > Download.
After you download an area, use Google Maps as you normally would. If you go offline, your offline maps will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map.
Enable Detailed Voice Guidance
Get better instructions
Voice guidance is a basic yet powerful navigation tool that can come in handy during walks in unfamiliar locations and can be used to ensure your journey is on the right path. To ensure guidance audio is enabled, go to your Google Maps profile (upper right corner), then tap Settings > Navigation > Sound and Voice. Here, tap “Unmute” on “Guidance Audio.”
Apart from this, you can also use Google Assistant to help you along your journey, asking questions about your destination, nearby sights, detours, additional stops, etc. To use this feature on iPhone, map a walking route to a destination, then tap the mic icon in the upper-right corner. For Android, you can also say “Hey Google” after mapping your destination to activate the assistant.
Voice guidance is handy for both new and old places, like when you’re running errands and need to navigate hands-free.
Add multiple stops
Keep your trip going
If you walk regularly to run errands, Google Maps has a simple yet effective feature that can help you plan your route in a better way. With Maps’ multiple stop feature, you can add several stops between your current and final destination to minimize any wasted time and unnecessary detours.
To add multiple stops on Google Maps, search for a destination, then tap “Directions.” Select the walking option, then click the three dots on top (next to “Your Location”), and tap “Edit Stops.” You can now add a stop by searching for it and tapping “Add Stop,” and swap the stops at your convenience. Repeat this process by tapping “Add Stops” until your route is complete, then tap “Start” to begin your journey.
You can add up to ten stops in a single route on both mobile and desktop, and use the journey for multiple modes (walking, driving, and cycling) except public transport and flights. I find this Google Maps feature to be an essential tool for travel to walkable cities, especially when I’m planning a route I am unfamiliar with.
More to discover
A new feature to keep an eye out for, especially if you use Google Maps for walking and cycling, is Google’s Gemini boost, which will allow you to navigate hands-free and get real-time information about your journey. This feature has been rolling out for both Android and iOS users.
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