The 2017 Apple Heart Study, which enrolled over 400,000 participants, was the largest ever conducted and has proven that the Apple Watch can detect other arrhythmic irregularities of the heartbeat, as well as atrial fibrillation. Apple Watch now offers atrial fibrillation detection and notifications. This feature was added to the device's Series 4 update, which included an electrocardiogram (ECG).
The science behind the Apple Heart Study was proven. Apple has always described it as a way to monitor your health and identify potential conditions that could affect your heart health. It is not a medical device or a predictor, but rather if you are more aware of your health. Many Apple Watch users have credited the AFib notification feature for helping them catch an otherwise undiagnosed issue quickly. This was thanks to the follow-up care provided by a doctor.
The Heart Study also provides additional data. It shows that 40% of participants who received a notification regarding an irregular heartbeat via their Apple Watch but whose follow-up testing did not show AFib, had other arrhythmias. These arrhythmias included premature atrial complexes and premature ventricular complexes. These conditions are quite common and can be identified by heart palpitations. However, premature complexes could indicate other underlying issues.
The American Heart Associations Circulation Journal published a new study that found nearly a third (33%) of participants with no AFib detected using ECG patches after receiving a notification. This suggests that the Apple Watch could have missed cases that were not detected by subsequent ECG patches. This would indicate a greater efficacy of the Apple watch than previously shown.
Although there is always speculation about new sensors and technical capabilities for Apple Watch, we have already seen that large-scale studies such as the Apple Heart Study and the Apple Heart and Movement Study provide the basis for new capabilities with existing hardware and sensors. Apple Watch's promising results in detecting other arrhythmias may just be a sign that future Health features will become more accessible.
