Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology

Volume 35, Issue 12 pp. 2474-2482

REVIEW

Smart watch applications in atrial fibrillation detection: Current state and future directions

Rahul Vyas MD,

Rahul Vyas MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Shubhika Jain MBBS,

Shubhika Jain MBBS

orcid.org/0000-0002-8589-946X

Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Anuj Thakre MD,

Anuj Thakre MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Sahith Reddy Thotamgari MD,

Sahith Reddy Thotamgari MD

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Ochsner-LSU Health, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Sameer Raina MD,

Sameer Raina MD

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA

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Vijaywant Brar MD,

Vijaywant Brar MD

orcid.org/0000-0002-3528-327X

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Ochsner-LSU Health, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Partho Sengupta MD,

Partho Sengupta MD

Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

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Pratik Agrawal MD,

Corresponding Author

Pratik Agrawal MD

[email protected]

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Ochsner-LSU Health, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

Correspondence Pratik Agrawal, MD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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Rahul Vyas MD,

Rahul Vyas MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Shubhika Jain MBBS,

Shubhika Jain MBBS

orcid.org/0000-0002-8589-946X

Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Anuj Thakre MD,

Anuj Thakre MD

Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Sahith Reddy Thotamgari MD,

Sahith Reddy Thotamgari MD

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Ochsner-LSU Health, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Sameer Raina MD,

Sameer Raina MD

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA

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Vijaywant Brar MD,

Vijaywant Brar MD

orcid.org/0000-0002-3528-327X

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Ochsner-LSU Health, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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Partho Sengupta MD,

Partho Sengupta MD

Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

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Pratik Agrawal MD,

Corresponding Author

Pratik Agrawal MD

[email protected]

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Ochsner-LSU Health, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

Correspondence Pratik Agrawal, MD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 03 October 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.16451

Citations: 6

Disclosures: None.

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Abstract

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a prevalent chronic arrhythmia associated with severe complications, including stroke, heart failure, and increased mortality. This review explores the use of smartwatches for Afib detection, addressing the limitations of current monitoring methods and emphasizing the potential of wearable technology in revolutionizing healthcare.

Results/Observation

Current Afib detection methods, such as electrocardiography, have limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Smartwatches with advanced sensors offer continuous monitoring, improving the chances of detecting asymptomatic and paroxysmal Afib. The review meticulously examines major clinical trials studying Afib detection using smartwatches, including the landmark Apple Heart Study and ongoing trials such as the Heart Watch, Heartline, and Fitbit Heart Study. Detailed summaries of participant numbers, smartwatch devices used, and key findings are presented. It also comments on the cost-effectiveness and scalability of smartwatch-based screening, highlighting the potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion/Relevance

The integration of wearable technology into healthcare can lead to earlier diagnosis, improved patient engagement, and enhanced cardiac health monitoring. Despite ethical considerations and disparities, the potential benefits outweigh the challenges. This review calls for increased awareness, collaboration with insurance companies, and ongoing research efforts to optimize smartwatch accuracy and encourage widespread adoption of Afib detection. With insights from major trials, this review serves as a comprehensive reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers, guiding future strategies in the early diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no data sets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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Volume35, Issue12

December 2024

Pages 2474-2482

Smart watch applications in atrial fibrillation detection: Current state and future directions

Abstract

Introduction

Results/Observation

Conclusion/Relevance

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Smart watch applications in atrial fibrillation detection: Current state and future directions

Abstract

Introduction

Results/Observation

Conclusion/Relevance

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

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