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Smartwatch detection of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation: when the apple falls far from the tree - case report
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DOI:10.1080/14796678.2026.2621339.png)
Abstract
En 中文
Consumer wearables are increasingly used to document palpitations, but their algorithms are almost exclusively validated for atrial fibrillation (AF). We report a 70-year-old man with recurrent palpitations, no prior cardiovascular history, and controlled hypertension. A single-lead Apple Watch ECG classified sinus rhythm at 75 bpm, while a same-day 12-lead ECG revealed typical atrial flutter with sawtooth waves and regular atrioventricular conduction. After adequate anticoagulation, the patient underwent successful electrical cardioversion with 120 J and remains in stable sinus rhythm. This case highlights that AF-validated smartwatch algorithms may miss other supraventricular arrhythmias, particularly with regular ventricular response. Smartwatches can aid AF screening and symptom capture, but persistent symptoms require confirmation with standard 12-lead ECG. Future work should prioritize algorithm refinement and rigorous, post-market validation beyond AF to ensure that consumer devices transition from wellness tools to clinically reliable instruments for arrhythmia management.
Keywords:
Atrial flutter
atrial fibrillation
wearable devices
digital health
case report
Journal
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IF:
1
Papers:
60
Citations:
1.1K
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