Systematic review of validation studies for the use of wearable smartwatches in the screening of atrial fibrillation

Abstract

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common dysrhythmia and a risk factor for stroke and heart failure. Early detection and treatment are key to avoiding complications (especially in sustained AFib). Here, we systematically review the potential of wearable smartwatches (WSWs) to screen for AFib.MethodA literature search was conducted, and only those validation studies were shortlisted where the screening ability of WSWs was compared with EKG, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and Kappa statistic were provided.ResultTwelve studies were included with a combined sample size of 1,075,088. Most validation measures of WSWs were above 90% and comparable with KardiaBand by AliveCor (KB), which is an FDA-approved device to detect AFib.ConclusionWSWs have the potential to reliably and continuously screen for AFib and detect it in a timely manner. The inconclusive results produced by WSWs are a significant problem. Once the inconclusive results are rectified, WSWs may be used for widespread screening of AFib in those people who are at high risk of developing AFib.