The Apple Watch is already an accomplished health and fitness device, but a new study is seeking to explore whether it is capable of going a step further and detecting signs of a stroke.
The Heartline Study, which also makes use of iPhones, sees Apple partner up with Johnson & Johnson. The collaboration will focus on how Apple’s smartwatch and smartphones can help enable the early detection of cardiac events such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is a leading cause of a stroke in the US.
Both the Apple Watch 5 and Apple Watch 4 include an ECG sensor, which - in countries where it has been authorized - is used to detect signs of arrhythmia, also known as an irregular heartbeat. Older Apple Watches can also offer irregular heart rate rhythm notifications based on readings from the heart rate monitor.
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With that ability to detect irregular heartbeats, Apple’s wearable already has the potential to uncover whether you may have atrial fibrillation, which puts someone at an increased chance of a stroke. Though as Apple very clearly outlines, its heart rate sensors are not able to specifically diagnose heart conditions.
A three-year study
The study is aimed at those aged over 65 in the US and will be conducted over a three-year period. Those who are eligible will use the Heartline Study iPhone app, and while some participants will just use the app on their phone, others will need a supported Apple Watch - though devices will apparently be available to borrow.
The app itself will provide ongoing tips and surveys, while the Apple Watch will deliver heart rate rhythm data to the app, where researchers will be able to evaluate the data.
That does mean that participants will have to agree to provide access to some of their medical data. For those concerned about the use of the sensitive information, it will apparently be stored in a ‘secure environment’.
This isn’t the first major health study Apple has been a part of during its push into the serious health monitoring space. Last year, it revealed the findings of its Heart Study, which was conducted with the Stanford University of Medicine. That study aimed to demonstrate the ability of wearables like the Apple Watch to detect heart rate irregularities.
At its big September event in 2019, Apple also announced three new studies focusing on heart health, women’s health, and hearing health.
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Via 9to5Mac
