A collaborative study by physicians at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the T. Chan School of Medicine examined how consumer fitness wearables can serve as a cost-effective first step in screening for atrial fibrillation among older adults. The researchers published their findings in the JAMA Network journal, highlighting a potential shift in how routine heart health checks might be conducted in settings ranging from primary care offices to community health programs. Source: JAMA Network.
The study modeled a population of thirty million individuals aged 65 and older and compared several atrial fibrillation screening methods. Among traditional methods and modern wearables, the researchers identified fitness watches with heart rhythm monitoring capabilities as the most affordable option with meaningful health impact. In their analysis, these devices demonstrated a notable ability to reduce stroke risk associated with undetected atrial fibrillation. The devices evaluated included general fitness trackers and smartwatches offering limited electrocardiogram ECG functionality that records electrical signals of the heart, as well as watches using photoplethysmography to assess blood flow in small vessels. The findings suggest that both ECG-enabled and PPG-based smartwatches delivered superior performance in detecting irregular rhythms within a broad older population compared with other screening tools. Literacy and accessibility considerations were also part of the model, aiming to reflect real-world adoption in diverse communities. Source: JAMA Network.
Prior investigations had established that sports watches could aid atrial fibrillation screening, but the new analysis emphasizes how effectiveness varies by factors such as gender and age. The results imply that fitness wearables could eventually be incorporated into official public health recommendations and potentially be covered by insurance schemes as part of preventive care. In the meantime, clinicians frequently rely on ECG tracing or pulse palpation conducted in clinics, a process that can add to patient visits and place additional demands on healthcare systems. The evolving evidence base, alongside consumer familiarity with wearables, points toward a future where at-home screening plays a larger role in identifying atrial fibrillation early. Source: JAMA Network.