The Apple Watch was able to detect an irregular heart beat in over 2000 users according to researchers at Stanford Medicine researchers at the American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session and Expo in New Orleans today. The study included over 400 thousand users and spanned over 50 states for 8 months. The researchers were able to detected an irregular pulse in some cases. These cases were later confirmed to have atrial fibrillation using the ECG technology according to the research. The study commenced in November 2017, and Apple stopped accepting new volunteers in August 2018.
“We are proud to work with Stanford Medicine as they conduct this important research and look forward to learning more about the impact of Apple Watch alongside the medical community,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). “We hope consumers will continue to gain useful and actionable information about their heart health through Apple Watch,” he added.
Fitness bands and medical devices have received a major popularity boost in the recent years, and the increasing demand for these smart devices could also allow companies to explore new avenues of profitability. Participants of the study also received a telehealth consultation with a doctor and an electrocardiogram patch for additional supervision, which was the goal of the study to avert any life-threatening instances. According to Apple, in a press release, several members of the study sought medical attention after receiving alerts on their Apple Watch.
“Seeing medical research reflect what we’re hearing from consumers is positive and we’re excited to see Apple Watch helping even more consumers in the future while collaborating with the medical community to further research,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Apple’s vice president of Health.
The study is beneficial for companies to manufacture and tailor-make technology that could potentially be life saving. The study also speaks about the further potential of these smart devices in the market.
