Study to Assess Apple Watch’s Efficacy in Lessening Need for Blood-Thinners
A $37 million grant will support researchers studying the efficacy of the Apple Watch in managing atrial fibrillation and reducing the need for blood-thinning medication.
- Following the reception of a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, researchers from Northwestern University and Johns Hopkins are conducting a study to determine the ability of the Apple Watch to reduce the use of blood-thinning medication.
According to the press release, atrial fibrillation (AFib) impacts 2.5 to 5 million Americans, and researchers are working to determine the types of treatment that may be effective in managing the condition. The most common treatment method is blood-thinning medication, which has been shown to decrease the likelihood of a stroke despite some side effects.
Further, along with the increase in telehealth resources, including wearable devices, comes questions surrounding how effective they may be in clinical treatment. In this study, researchers used the $37 million grant to evaluate the outcomes of a 'pill-in-pocket' strategy, which included implementing an Apple Watch, for the treatment of AFib.