Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyRandomised controlled trial
Enhanced Detection and Prompt Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Using Apple Watch
- Randomised controlled trial
- prospective
- multicentre
Authors' conclusion
This randomized controlled trial provides evidence that 6-month smartwatch-based AF screening enhances the detection rate of new onset AF compared with standard care in patients at elevated stroke risk.
Study context
- Population
- Patients ≥65 years with elevated stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 men, ≥3 women), 2 secondary care centres in the Netherlands
- Participants
- 437 patients
- Comparison
- Smartwatch-based atrial fibrillation (AF) screening vs standard care
- Interventionn = 219
- Controln = 218reference
- Primary endpoint
- New onset AF (confirmed episode ≥30 seconds on single-lead ECG or standard ECG methods)
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
New onset AF
Each group vs controlRisk difference, percentage points (95% CI)P value
Intervention
7.3(2.9–11.7)
P = 0.001Each group vs controlHazard ratio (95% CI)
Intervention
4.40(1.66–11.66)
Further findings
Asymptomatic and paroxysmal AF
- Several asymptomatic AF episodes detected only in the intervention group; paroxysmal AF occurred in both groups
Original publication
Enhanced Detection and Prompt Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Using Apple Watch. J Am Coll Cardiol. Published 22 January 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2025.11.032
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it