A new clinical study suggests that Apple Inc’s Apple Watch can help detect atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder associated with a higher risk of stroke, by identifying more cases than routine medical care alone.
The randomized trial followed 437 patients aged over 65 with an increased risk of stroke, comparing standard treatment in the Netherlands with continuous monitoring using an Apple Watch over a six-month period. Participants had a median age of 75, and researchers cautioned that the relatively small sample size could limit how widely the findings apply.
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After six months, atrial fibrillation was detected in 9.6% of patients using the Apple Watch, compared with 2.3% in the group receiving standard care, a difference the study said was statistically significant. Detection relied on the smartwatch’s electrocardiogram (ECG) function and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor.
The researchers noted that atrial fibrillation often occurs intermittently and can go unnoticed, making it difficult to capture during periodic doctor visits. “As atrial fibrillation does not always occur continuously and may not even be noticed by those affected, the probability of detection during a routine medical examination can be quite low,” the article said.
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The study also highlighted limitations, with nearly half of the alerts generated by the Apple Watch later shown to be false positives, potentially leading to unnecessary concern or additional medical visits. Even so, the authors said long-term wearable monitoring could complement traditional care by improving the chances of detecting otherwise hidden heart rhythm disorders.
Source: MedPage Today