Smart watch may improve detection of atrial fibrillation
News briefs
- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Atrial fibrillation (called afib for short) is a common heart rhythm disorder that raises the risk of stroke yet often goes undetected. A new study finds that wearing an Apple Watch with cardiac monitoring can increase the detection of afib in older adults who are already at an increased risk of stroke.
The study followed 473 people with an elevated risk for stroke; their average age was 75. About half wore an Apple Watch with pulse and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for at least 12 hours a day. The others received standard care, which could include using a device that records an ECG on demand or continuously over one to two days.
Over six months of follow-up, researchers diagnosed and treated 21 new cases of afib among the people wearing the smart watches, more than half of whom had no symptoms. Only five new cases were discovered in the standard care group, and all of these people had reported symptoms. Whether better afib detection translates into fewer strokes remains to be seen, but trials evaluating this potential benefit are under way. The study appeared in the Jan. 21, 2026, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Image: © koko/Getty Images
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
