Key result
Apple Watch ECG detects atrial fibrillation with high diagnostic accuracy, achieving an AUC of ~0.96.
Why the study?
The reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the Apple Watch ECG for detecting atrial fibrillation remain controversial despite its emergence as a user-friendly diagnostic tool.
Does the Apple Watch ECG accurately detect atrial fibrillation compared to standard 12-lead ECG?
Meta-Analysis
Does the Apple Watch ECG accurately detect atrial fibrillation compared to standard 12-lead ECG?
The Apple Watch ECG demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for detecting atrial fibrillation, supporting its utility as a convenient diagnostic option.
Supports Apple Watch ECG integration into AF screening; extends validation of wearable diagnostics.
Background: Electrocardiography (ECG) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, smartwatches like the Apple Watch have emerged as a promising, user-friendly device for rapid detection and diagnosis of AF, but the reliability and diagnostic accuracy still remain controversial. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic performance of the Apple Watch ECG in detecting AF. Methods: The literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library through April 2024 for studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of Apple Watch to standard 12-lead ECG. Statistical analysis was performed using R Software version 4.4.0 and OpenMeta[Analyst]. Pooled analyses of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were determined along with their 95% CIs. The quality of studies was analyzed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: = 88%), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92-0.97). Conclusions: The Apple Watch ECG carries high accuracy in detecting atrial fibrillation, providing a convenient diagnostic option for patients.
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Shahid et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Atrial Fibrillation. Apple Watch ECG vs. Standard 12-lead ECG was evaluated on Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting atrial fibrillation (AUC 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.97). The Apple Watch ECG demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for detecting atrial fibrillation, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96 (95% CI 0.92-0.97).
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