Study validates wrist-worn cardiac monitors in detecting rapid heart rate
Data from a new study indicates that wrist-worn devices designed to monitor cardiac activity, from major tech players Apple (NSDQ:AAPL), Samsung Electronics (LON:BC94) and Fitbit (NYSE:FIT), can accurately measure induced paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia episodes, or rapid heart rate.
Results from the study were presented today at the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society in Boston.
The study randomly assigned Apple’s Watch Series 2, Samsung’s Galaxy Gear S3 and Fitbit’s Charge 2 to 51 patients with a history of PSVT or paroxysmal palpitations who were scheduled to undergo an electrophysiology study. Baseline heart rates recorded in the trial ranged from 50 bpm to 101 bpm, and heart rate at both baseline and during induced PSVT were evaluated.
The accuracy of the wrist-worn monitors in detecting baseline heart rate within five bpm was reported at 100%, 100% and 94% for Apple, Samsung and Fitbit respectively. During PSVT events, which ranged from 108 bpm to 228 bpm, accuracy within 10 bpm was reported at 100%, 100% and 88% for Apple, Samsung and Fitbit, respectively.
“Millions of people around the world are wearing smart watches or other devices that have the ability to track heart rate, and our study is the first of its kind to assess how effective and accurate these tools are for patients. As clinicians, we see these devices as a tool to help patients learn more about their heart health and become more proactive about self-care. With technology delivering information literally to their fingertips, we hope patients will be better informed and more inclined to speak with their doctor about their health,” Dr. Jongmin Hwang, of Seoul Asan Medical Center said in a press release.
Researchers also explored measurements with the devices during rapid atrial and ventricular pacing after ablation to stimulate tachycardia. Investigators reported finding acceptable accuracy with minor differences between the devices, with the Apple Watch clocking in with the highest accuracy and comparable accuracy with the Galaxy devices.