Validity of a smartwatch for detecting atrial fibrillation in patients after heart valve surgery: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common early arrhythmia after heart valve surgery that limits physical activity. We aimed to evaluate the criterion validity of the Apple Watch Series 5 single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) for detecting AF in patients after heart valve surgery.

DESIGN: We enrolled 105 patients from the University Hospital of North Norway, of whom 93 completed the study. All patients underwent single-lead ECG using the smartwatch three times or more daily on the second to third or third to fourth postoperative day. These results were compared with continuous 2-4 days ECG telemetry monitoring and a 12-lead ECG on the third postoperative day.

RESULTS: On comparing the Apple Watch ECGs with the ECG monitoring, the sensitivity and specificity to detect AF were 91% (75, 100) and 96% (91, 99), respectively. The accuracy was 95% (91, 99). On comparing Apple Watch ECG with a 12-lead ECG, the sensitivity was 71% (62, 100) and the specificity was 92% (92, 100).

CONCLUSION: The Apple smartwatch single-lead ECG has high sensitivity and specificity, and might be a useful tool for detecting AF in patients after heart valve surgery.