ReutersJohnson & Johnson (J&J) on Tuesday said that it was partnering with Apple Inc to use an iPhone app and the Apple Watch to study how earlier detection of atrial fibrillation impacts stroke in people aged 65 or older. Last year, Apple’s Heart Study — which analyzed the role of wearable devices in identifying potential heart problems — found that the watch could accurately detect atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat. The J&J study would be open to the more than 40 million people enrolled in traditional US Medicare plans, which cover people aged 65 and older, as well as the disabled. The latest Apple Watch model starts at list price of US$399. Apple and J&J officials said that was vital to proving whether the use of the app and watch lead to reduced stroke risk.

Source: Taipei Times February 26, 2020 15:56 UTC