Using a smartwatch electrocardiogram to detect abnormalities associated with sudden cardiac arrest in young adults

• DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab192
• Publication Date: 2021-07-09T03:14:49Z
• Authors: Mathieu Nasarre; Marc Strik; , Francisco Danie...; Samuel Buliard; Hugo Marchand; Saer Abu-Alrub; Sylvain Ploux; Michel Haïssaguerre; Pierre Bordachar
• Keywords: Smartwatch; Sudden Death

Smartwatch electrocardiograms (ECGs) could facilitate the detection of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)-associated abnormalities. We evaluated feasibility using smartwatch-derived ECGs for detecting SCA-associated abnormalities in young adults and its agreement with 12-lead ECGs.Twelve-lead Apple Watch were registered 155 healthy volunteers 67 patients aged 18-45 years diagnosis ECG signs long-QT syndrome (n = 10), Brugada 12), ventricular pre-excitation 19), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, n 13), arrhythmogenic right dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVC/D, 13). Cardiologists separately analysed smartwatch taken from left wrist (AW-I) then chest positions V1, V3, V6 (AW-4). Compared AW-I, AW-4 improved classification as 'abnormal', increasing sensitivity 64% to 89% (P < 0.01). Pre-excitation was detected most cases AW-I (sensitivity 89%) all 100%, P 0.48 compared specificity 100% both). missed but 11/12 92%, 0.003). Long QT 8/10 80%, 100%) 9 90%, > 0.99). Hypertrophic correctly suspected 92% 85%, mostly (62%) considered normal ARVC/D whereas useful suspecting (100% sensitivity, 99% specificity, 0.004).Detection (pre-excitation, patterns, long QT, suggestive HCM ARVC/D) is possible an smartwatch.