Fox's Kilmeade Tracks Day with Oura Ring, Cardiologist Praises Wearables

Wearable devices such as smartwatches and rings have gained popularity for tracking sleep, steps, heart rate, temperature and stress levels as wellness tools.

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade recently wore an Oura ring to monitor his metrics from early morning through a demanding work schedule. He reported the results live on Fox & Friends.

"I just got four hours and one minute [of sleep], but I have some REM sleep, 14%, over 20% of deep sleep. Feeling pretty good, I feel pretty fresh," Kilmeade said in his first early morning update while reviewing the stats.

The device tracked his physiological responses throughout the day, from the stress of a live television broadcast to the physical exertion of a workout.

Kilmeade checked the data in real time. "You see the stress level spike just a little bit … as I make my way over to radio, my activity is going to pick up," he noted.

By day's end, which included a trip to West Point and hours in a car, the ring summarized his activity levels and heart rate stability.

New Jersey cardiologist Dr. Craig Basman joined the program to analyze the data and discuss the technology's clinical uses.

Basman pointed to Kilmeade's limited rest. "Well, I don't think you have to be a cardiologist to diagnose him with suboptimal sleep," he said.

The doctor stressed the tools' potential. "These wearable devices are changing the landscape of cardiology," he said, adding that "the future is bright, not just for preventative care ... but also screening and detection of actual cardiovascular pathology."

Basman advised users to act on the data. He would not recommend detection tools unless you're "going to do something about it."

On accuracy, Basman cited "robust data" showing the numbers are "incredibly accurate" for metrics like resting heart rate and heart rate variability.

Some devices detect serious conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which affects millions and often evades standard physical exams, he noted.

For younger people, wearables work as a "great primary prevention tool," Basman said, since plaque can build up in arteries starting in the 20s and 30s.

For older adults, the devices serve as a "screening tool for actual existing cardiac pathology."

People worried about wearable health data should consult a doctor for guidance.