The Lead Episode 160: A Discussion of Real-time smartphone alerts during atrial fibrillation episodes with implantable cardiac monitors and wearable devices: SMART-ALERT study-The Lead Episode 160 Bonus Video File

The Lead Episode 160 Bonus Video File

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Video Summary

The SMART Alert Study tested whether implantable cardiac monitors and wearables can reliably send near-real-time smartphone alerts for atrial fibrillation. In 50 patients with frequent paroxysmal AF, an implantable loop recorder was used as the gold standard, then compared with Apple Watch or ring alerts. Results were disappointing: wearables detected only a small fraction of true AF episodes and generated some false alerts. Experts said the study shows devices are not equally reliable and should not be solely trusted to guide intermittent anticoagulation without clinical review.

Keywords

atrial fibrillation

implantable cardiac monitor

wearable devices

smartphone alerts

false alerts