In a groundbreaking study led by the Duke Clinical Research Institute, wearable long-term continuous heart monitors have shown promise in detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) more effectively than traditional methods
The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, revealed no clear reduction in hospitalisations due to stroke among participants.
The study, which enrolled approximately 12,000 patients in the United States aged 70 and older without prior AFib history, aimed to evaluate whether continuous monitoring could improve AFib diagnosis rates and subsequently lower stroke risks.
Over a median follow-up period of 15 months, the results showed a significant 52% increase in the detection of AFib cases among those using the monitoring devices compared to those receiving usual care.
Wearable technology in identifying undiagnosed AFib
This finding show the potential of wearable technology in identifying undiagnosed AFib, a condition known to significantly elevate the risk of ischemic stroke.
Lead author Renato Lopes, M.D., Ph.D., emphasised the study’s findings regarding AFib detection but pointed out the study’s limitations in establishing a direct link to stroke prevention. “Atrial fibrillation is often undiagnosed and can increase the risk of ischemic stroke,” said Lopes.
“We still need definitive evidence that diagnosis of atrial fibrillation through systematic screening can lead to subsequent treatment with oral anticoagulation and therefore, lower stroke risk.”
Despite the increased detection of AFib, there was no observed rise in hospitalisations due to bleeding, which is a concern with anticoagulant treatments commonly prescribed for AFib. The study did not show a significant decrease in overall stroke-related hospitalisations compared to usual care, highlighting the need for further research with a larger and more diverse participant pool.
Reducing stroke risks
Originally designed to enrol 52,000 patients, the study was prematurely halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting its ability to draw definitive conclusions about stroke prevention.
Despite these challenges, the study provided valuable insights for future research methodologies. Lopes highlighted the study’s innovative approach of enrolling and monitoring patients remotely using self-applied patch devices, suggesting potential applications for similar studies in the future.
While wearable heart monitors have shown promise in enhancing AFib detection rates among older adults, their impact on reducing stroke risks remains inconclusive. The study’s findings highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive research to establish the link between early AFib diagnosis, subsequent treatment, and stroke prevention.
