New Study Will Evaluate Smart Watch Technology for Help in Preventing Strokes

January 21, 2019—A new study will analyze the impact of a smart watch (Apple, Cupertino, CA) on early detection and diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and the potential to prevent stroke. The large-scale research will start later this year in the US and will be a pragmatic, randomized, controlled study for people age 65 years or older.
The study will investigate whether a new heart health program using a heart monitoring app (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) in combination with the smart watch irregular rhythm notifications and ECG app can speed diagnosis and improve outcomes of people living with AFib, which can lead to stroke. In addition to measuring outcomes of the heart health program, the research will assess the impact of a medication adherence program using the monitoring app. 
“We’re excited about the potential of common, wearable technology to aid in the earlier detection and prevention of a frequent cause of stroke,” said Paul Stoffels, MD, vice chair of the executive committee and chief scientific officer, Johnson & Johnson. “Too many people living with AFib are unaware of their risk, and earlier detection, diagnosis, and treatment of AFib could significantly improve outcomes. Based on the insights generated through this research program, we may be able to develop new ways to detect other health conditions earlier in the future that also exhibit measurable physiological symptoms.”