Wearable sensor technology has become an integral part of our lives in the past few years, with more and more functionalities being included in these devices, including cardiac rhythm monitoring features. A recent study from the University of Basel evaluated the sensitivity of five branded smartwatches in detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and compared the results to a standard 12-point electrocardiogram interpreted by a physician. Around 62 patients in the study were previously diagnosed with AF, and the sensitivity of their devices in detecting AF ranged from 66%-85%.
The rate of inconclusive readings ranged from 18% to 26% between the different devices. On the other hand, physicians were able to interpret 99% of these results accurately by using the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. The findings of this study imply that abnormal cardiac rhythm measurements should still be…
