The new FDA-cleared Apple Watch band adds real-time EKG
The Apple Watch already has a heart rate sensor, and it can even help flag potentially dangerous cardiac conditions. Apple is working on having the heart rate sensor check for heart rhythm abnormalities (atrial fibrillation), and has just launched a heart rate study with Stanford that anyone can opt into and test. But there is a new strap for the Apple Watch that does have FDA clearance right now.
AliveCor's KardiaBand is an FDA-cleared device that checks on-the-spot EKG readings in a Bluetooth-connected strap. Unlike the Apple Watch's optical heart rate technology, the KardiaBand uses your finger or thumb to complete an electrical circuit via two metal contacts: one for your finger, one that rests against your wrist. It works with Apple Watch Series 1, 2 and 3 models -- that is, every version except the original "Series Zero" model.
AliveCor's Kardia app tracks heart rate continuously with the Apple Watch's sensors and then pings you to take an extra EKG reading when your heart rate seems out of place with where your activity and previous history would indicate, using what AliveCor says is AI that learns over time.
SmartRhythm monitoring involves a deep neural network that runs directly on the Apple Watch, constantly acquiring data from the Watch’s heart rate sensor and accelerometer. It compares your heart rate and changes in your heart rate over time to what it expects from your minute-by-minute level of activity, and gives you a graphical display of where your heart rate falls within the boundaries predicted by the neural network. When the network sees a pattern of heart rate and activity that it does not expect, it notifies you to take an ECG.
Beyond detection of arrhythmias, AliveCor is working on other technologies that utilize the power of machine learning and wearable ECG devices like KardiaBand to expand the clinical and diagnostic significance of the ECG even further. For example, in partnership with the Mayo Clinic, we’re working towards reliable detection of life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities, like hyperkalemia, directly from an ECG, and screening tools that may one day enable detection of genetic abnormalities, like congenital long QT syndrome. The ECG has been around for more than 100 years.
What type of security do you use?
Our adherence to HIPAA means that all data on our servers is encrypted when it is at rest or in transit. AliveCor uses industry best practices such as AES 256-bit server side encryption for customer EKG recordings, and transport layer security (TLS 1.2) to establish a secure link with cloud servers and to encrypt data in transit.
See the full story with video here: https://www.cnet.com/news/the-apple-watch-now-has-an-fda-cleared-heart-rate-band/