Beyond counting steps: 5 health metrics worth tracking

If you’re constantly checking health data on your watch or phone, you’re not alone. Millions of people rely on wearable devices and phone apps to track fitness, heart rate and even sleep cycles.

But according to Atlantic Health primary care physician Michael Gannon, MD, some metrics are more meaningful than others. The most useful ones are those you track consistently over time, helping you identify health patterns and make gradual improvements to your routines.

The health benefits of wearables

Dr. Gannon explains that better health isn't determined by one bad night's sleep, one elevated heart rate or one missed workout. It’s about patterns over time—learning how caffeine affects your sleep, how exercise alters your heart rate or how glucose impacts your insulin.

He also cautions his patients not to get too consumed by every heart rate fluctuation or imperfect sleep score. Wearable devices shouldn’t create anxiety. And they don’t take the place of a face-to-face conversation with your doctor.

Here are Dr. Gannon’s top five health metrics worth tracking.

1. Physical activity and daily movement

Staying active is one of the best predictors of long-term health. Exercise, combined with healthy eating, is not only associated with fitness and weight loss, but it can also lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia. So, if you’re a data lover, go ahead and track those 10,000 daily steps along with your overall active minutes.

2. Heart rate and rhythm

Your resting heart rate is a useful window into cardiovascular fitness. A lower resting heart rate (60 to 100 beats per minute) generally reflects better cardiovascular health. Tracking your heart's electrical activity may also be worthwhile. Wearable devices can detect an abnormal rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), which has no warning signs and is more common as you age.

3. Glucose

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, a continuous glucose monitor can provide a more detailed picture than an A1C test alone. While A1C reflects your average blood sugar over three months, a continuous glucose monitor shows how your blood sugar fluctuates throughout the day, after meals and during exercise or sleep.

4. Sleep duration and patterns

The three most useful sleep measurements are your total sleep time, when you fall asleep and when you wake up. Wearable sleep trackers provide estimates to track long-term trends rather than the exact amount of deep or REM sleep on a given night. If you have persistent insomnia, daytime sleepiness or severe snoring, talk with your doctor about a sleep study.

5. Blood pressure

Monitoring blood pressure is one of the best ways to understand your cardiovascular risk — since high blood pressure develops over time, without symptoms. If you’re concerned or take blood pressure medication, consider monitoring it regularly with an upper arm cuff. This will help you identify elevated readings before complications develop.

“Peace of mind is the real value of wearable devices,” says Dr. Gannon, who stresses the importance of trends and consistency. “Some people check their numbers regularly, especially if they're recovering from illness or are following a treatment plan. Others may find the data only increases their anxiety. Your use and frequency can vary quite a bit from another person. Just find what works for you.”

Find a Primary Care Doctor

Published: July 31, 2026

Related news articles

Healthy LivingComplex hernia surgery gives New York father a second chance After years of infections and failed hernia surgeries from severe diverticulitis, this New York father’s life was restored through an advanced robotic procedure.

Healthy Living7 food safety tips for the home cookHome-cooking brings people together. But even a seasoned chef can overlook proper food handling. An Atlantic Health expert shares how to keep your kitchen and meals safe.

Healthy LivingBeyond counting steps: 5 health metrics worth trackingYour smartphone, watch or ring can tell you a lot more than how many steps you've taken. This Atlantic Health expert shares his five favorite health metrics that are worth tracking.

Healthy LivingWhen to be concerned about acid refluxA thoracic surgeon with Atlantic Health explains how frequent acid reflux can be a sign of GERD and increase your risk of esophageal cancer.

Healthy LivingWhat to expect this tick seasonWith tick populations on the rise throughout the Northeast, learn how to prevent tick-borne illness with tips from an expert at Atlantic Health.

Healthy LivingWhat is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?Get answers to your questions about the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit to learn what’s included and how it supports healthy aging.

Healthy LivingImportant risk factors and health screenings for LGBTQ+ patientsAtlantic Health supports LGBTQ+ patients with inclusive care, essential screenings, and a safe, discrimination‑free environment.

Healthy LivingCould it be cellulitis? Recognizing a common skin infectionCellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that shows up as red, swollen, warm skin. An Atlantic Health expert explains what to look for and when to seek medical care.

Healthy LivingHeading to the FIFA World Cup? Here’s how to stay healthy in a crowd Heading to the FIFA World Cup games? An Atlantic Health expert shares some tips – from vaccinations and hand hygiene to heat safety and food choices – to help you enjoy the games safely.

Healthy Living7 insights from an endocrinologist on managing type 2 diabetesDiscover seven expert tips from Atlantic Health to better manage type 2 diabetes, improve blood sugar control and reduce long‑term health risks.

Healthy LivingA new way to relieve osteoarthritic pain: Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT)There’s a way to treat painful, arthritic joints using low-dose radiation therapy. Atlantic Health experts explain this new, reemerging pain-relief treatment.

Healthy LivingYoung man with severe wound from surgery and Crohn's disease heals with wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapyWhen Ryan was 17, his Crohn's disease began to overwhelm his body—until wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Atlantic Health jumpstarted his healing and recovery.