Smartwatches have been around for some time, but according to a study conducted by UCL researchers, the wearable gadgets are more than just fancy tech; they could be used to predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study, published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health, looked at data from 83,000 people who had undergone a short 15-second electrocardiogram (ECG) similar to that available through smart watches and phone devices.
From the results, the researchers identified ECG recordings containing extra heartbeats which, if repeated frequently, can indicate conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). People with an extra beat in the recordings (1 in 25 of the total group) faced double the risk of developing heart failure or an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) over the next 10 years.
Lead author Dr Michele Orini (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science) said that collecting data from consumer-grade wearable devices could be a feasible way to identify and prevent future heart disease, particularly when combined with AI and other computer tools to quickly identify ECGs with signs of higher risk.
Senior author Professor Pier D. Lambiase (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Barts Heart Centre, Barts NHS Health Trust) added that by identifying those more at risk at an early stage, resources could be directed more appropriately to asses those cases and help prevent other instances through lifestyle advice, such as the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
The ECGs analysed were from people aged between 50 and 70 who didn’t have any known heart problems at the time. While clinical ECGs usually use at least ten sensors, consumer-grade devices rely on two in a single device and are said to provide less accurate results.
UCL and UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science are based at University College London, a highly respected and world-renowned university. Founded in 1826, this prestigious institute specialises in research active teaching, disciplinary and interdisciplinary education, and providing healthcare services to the community.
Dr Michele Orini is a Senior Lecturer at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and a practicing National Health Services Cardiologist at St. Thomas’ Hospital London. He is currently researching arrhythmia prevention as well as the associated clinical, epidemiological and ethico-legal implications.
