Mobile Health in Cardiovascular Screening

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by Theo Jesberger

Two studies have found that MHealth wearables, incluing a sensor embedded patch and Apple watch can help clinicians identify atrial fibrillation and better manage care for patients at risk. MHealth wearables can be equipped to possess the ability to detect dangerous cardiac issues. In fact, researchers reportedly were able to determine the difference between atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythm with 93% sensitivity and 84% specificity; with sensitivity improving to 99% after physician review. In other words, the device allows physicans to more accurately detect cardiac abnormalities and determine the specifics of the issue.

Along with improved differentiation between atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythms; new researchers have utilized technology in order to develop ECGs that can detect high potassium levels in blood. Developers and researchers are currently in the process of creating an algorithm to detect hyperkalemia(high levels of potassium in the blood). Superfluous amounts of potassium in the blood may not sound threatening, however, symptoms of above normal levels of potassium include muscle weakness, tiredness, tingling sensations, and nausea. Normal blood levels of potassium are critical in the maintenance of the heart's electrical rhythm. Excessive levels of potassium are commonly associated with heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes; and usually symptoms do not become apparent until potassium levels are critically high. Researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology and Univ. of Rochester Medical Center in attempts to improve detection of cardiovascular complications, launched a study to test the potential of a tablet embedded with a video recording app and AI tech to detect atrial fibrillation.

In February, the U.S. Food and drug Administration approved a MHealth app developed by Viz.AI. This app analyzes CT images for signs of stroke. These MHealth advancements open avenues to the acquistion of more data, knowledge, and the ability to compile meaningful information. These advancements also have the potential to improve early detection, preventive efforts, and care management; especially for sufferers of stroke, who often do not immediately realize that they have sustained a stroke. Its best to prepare for a problem before its occurence. In the healthcare industry, prevention will improve health outcomes, improve health of patients in the near future, and decrease healthcare expenditure. Eric Topol, MD, STSI’s founder and director says that, “Digital sensors are a vital part of the future of medicine...The MHealth Screening to Stop Strokes trial has the potential to upgrade and refine our approach in screening for heart arrhythmias, and at the same time demonstrate the value of large, real-world clinical trials using an array of digital medicine technologies.”