ESC TV Today – Your Cardiovascular News Season 3 - Ep.22: Extended interview on on smartwatch, heart rate and ECG
12 snips
Aug 14, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Tim Chico, a renowned Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, dives into the fascinating world of smartwatches and their role in heart health. He sheds light on how these devices detect atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias through advanced technologies like photoplethysmography. Chico also addresses the challenges of integrating smartwatch data into healthcare, emphasizing the need for better accessibility and accuracy. Expect insights on the future of health data and how it could revolutionize personalized medicine.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How PPG Detects AF
- Photoplethysmography (PPG) uses light to measure pulsatile blood volume and estimate heart rate patterns.
- Algorithms applied to PPG can detect irregular patterns suggestive of atrial fibrillation but are not diagnostic.
Single-Lead ECG Limits
- Smartwatches can record a single-lead ECG but only on demand, not continuously.
- Manufacturers' ECG classifiers often label rhythms as sinus, AF, or uninterpretable and are for information only, not a replacement for clinical tests.
Detection ≠ Proven Outcome Benefit
- Widespread smartwatch use will increase AF detection but we lack evidence that detecting these episodes reduces major outcomes like stroke or heart failure.
- Robust trials and collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and manufacturers are needed to show clinical benefit.