In March 2025, researchers from Northwestern University identified which smartwatch-based metric as a useful predictor of cardiovascular health risks?​

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Daily Heart Rate Per Step (DHRPS)

Explanation:

• In March 2025, researchers from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine introduced the Daily Heart Rate Per Step (DHRPS) as a novel metric for assessing cardiovascular health.

• DHRPS is calculated by dividing an individual's average daily heart rate by their daily step count. This ratio offers insights into how efficiently the heart responds to physical activity.

• The study analyzed data from approximately 7,000 adults who provided Fitbit data and electronic health records to the All of Us Research Program, a nationwide initiative supported by the National Institutes of Health.

• Findings indicated that individuals with higher DHRPS scores had increased risks of cardiovascular conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and coronary atherosclerosis. Notably, DHRPS was found to be a stronger predictor of these conditions than daily heart rate or step count alone.

• This metric emphasizes the heart's efficiency in handling daily physical activity, potentially serving as an accessible tool for early detection of cardiovascular risks.

Information Booster:

• DHRPS provides a more comprehensive assessment of heart health by combining heart rate and physical activity data.

• The metric is user-friendly, requiring only basic calculations that can be performed using data from widely available wearable devices.

• Researchers aim to integrate DHRPS into clinical settings and health applications to enhance cardiovascular risk assessments.

• The study's findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Session 2025 and published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.