BACKGROUND
The link between neuroscience and the heart in emotions is a field of study that seeks to understand the interactions between the nervous system, brain and heart function during an individual's emotional state. Through smart wearable devices, which can be used in cardiology and monitor physiological signals, it is possible to evaluate emotional experiences related to the heart-brain axis.
OBJECTIVE
This review focused on studies that evaluated emotions by means of single-parameter and multi-parameter smart wearable devices that can be used in cardiology in order to verify their effectiveness.
METHODS
We reviewed studies that evaluated emotions through wearable devices used in cardiology. Our search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Lybrary databases. Of the initial 1227 studies from the past ten years, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
All studies reviewed showed that wearable devices that can be used in cardiology for emotional recognition are effective. However, the studies that used single-parameter wearable devices were more adequate than the multi-parameter studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Devices can be valuable tools to provide information on an individual's emotional responses and consequently on the connections between the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Further studies are needed as the link between neuroscience and the heart needs more insights into emotional assessment through wearable devices in order to develop personalised approaches and optimise clinical interventions