Can Apple Watch help reduce the risk of stroke?

[ad_1]

The American pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson announced on February 25, 2020, a partnership with Apple as part of a clinical study called "Heartline". The objective is to determine if the Apple Watch combined with the "Heartline Study" application can help detect atrial fibrillation, an abnormality in the heart rate that increases the risk of stroke.

A sample of 150,000 people

To enroll in the study, you must reside United States and be over 65, be registered with a social security plan, have an iPhone 6s or a later version and agree to give their personal social security codes. Participants will be loaned an Apple Watch or can buy one for $ 49 (the original price is $ 399). The objective is to recruit at least 150,000 people. Once the participants have been drawn, they will be divided into two groups. One will only use the app and the other will combine Apple Watch and app. The study is expected to last three years.

Atrial fibrillation is difficult to diagnose because most of the time it has no physical signs. An electrocardiogram should be done to record electrical activity and determine if it is normal. In March 2019, "Apple's Heart" study from the Apple-funded Stanford University School of Medicine said the Apple Watch was effective in accurately detecting this abnormal heart rhythm. Johnson & Johnson now wants to go further and find out if the Apple Watch can reduce the risk of stroke.

The Apple Watch, future medical device?

If the study proves conclusive, the American firm could try to transform its smart health connected watch into a real medical device which could be offered by private American health insurance to their customers. CNBC also reveals that Apple is already in discussions with these players for future partnerships.

[ad_2]