Apple and Stanford are launching a joint study to research irregular heart rhythms using the Apple Watch. The study was first announced back in September and kicks off today.
Apple today launched the Apple Heart Study app, a first-of-its-kind research study using Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor to collect data on irregular heart rhythms and notify users who may be experiencing atrial fibrillation (AFib).AFib, the leading cause of stroke, is responsible for approximately 130,000 deaths and 750,000 hospitalizations in the US every year. Many people don’t experience symptoms, so AFib often goes undiagnosed.
To calculate heart rate and rhythm, Apple Watch’s sensor uses green LED lights flashing hundreds of times per second and light-sensitive photodiodes to detect the amount of blood flowing through the wrist. The sensor’s unique optical design gathers signals from four distinct points on the wrist, and when combined with powerful software algorithms, Apple Watch isolates heart rhythms from other noise. The Apple Heart Study app uses this technology to identify an irregular heart rhythm.
“This might seem like a simple study, but we think this is a really special time,” said Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams in an interview. “Hopefully we can save a lot of lives.”
Apple Heart Study is available to download from the App Store in the United States starting today. Apple Watch also saw the first FDA-approved accessory with an EKG reader which further advances its role in the health space.
Full app description below:
The Apple Heart Study app is an innovative research study that uses data from Apple Watch to identify irregular heart rhythms, including those from potentially serious heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). This study is being conducted in collaboration with Stanford Medicine to accelerate discovery in heart science.
– AFib is one of the most common forms of irregular heart rhythm. It can lead to blood clots or heart failure and is a leading cause of stroke. AFib affects tens of millions of people — but many of those people don’t experience symptoms, so it often goes undiagnosed.
– The Apple Heart Study uses an app designed to notify participants if an irregular heart rhythm is observed.
– The app will passively monitor your heart rate along with your heart rhythm. If an irregular heart rhythm is observed, the app will notify you.
– After the notification, you’ll receive a free video consultation on your iPhone with the study’s medical professionals for further analysis.
– The video consultation connects you with a board-certified, licensed primary care provider from American Well – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
– In some cases, the doctor may recommend a BioTelemetry electrocardiogram (ECG) patch for additional monitoring. The patch will be mailed to you at no cost and should be worn for seven days. The ECG data gathered over this period will be used to determine whether AFib or another type of irregular heart rhythm is present.
– Participation in the Apple Heart Study is voluntary. After you download the app, you’ll be asked to give your consent for participation. The heart rate sensor data you provide over time will be collected by Stanford Medicine and Apple for research analysis. Apple will not have access to any information that can directly identify you.
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