Apple and Johnson & Johnson are teaming up to conduct a new health study to determine if the iPhone and Apple Watch can reduce the risk of stroke. The study is made possible through a new Heartline app for the iPhone that combines data from the Apple Watch ECG app.
The study is open to participants who meet this criteria:
Live in the United States
Age 65 or older
Have Original (traditional) Medicare
Use iPhone 6s or later
Agree to provide Medicare claims data access
Johnson & Johnson describes the study in the announcement today:
The engagement program, via the Heartline Study app from Johnson & Johnson, will provide ongoing education, tips, surveys and questionnaires across many topics related to overall heart health throughout the two-year active engagement period.
The ECG app can classify an electrocardiogram as sinus rhythm or AFib.
The irregular rhythm notification feature will provide notifications of irregular heart rhythms suggestive of AFib.
Apple’s Head of Health Strategic Initiatives Myoung Cha highlights the importance of privacy as part of the study:
“Apple technology is making a meaningful impact on scientific research through the powerful capabilities of iPhone and Apple Watch, all with privacy at the center of the participant experience,” said Myoung Cha, Apple’s Head of Health Strategic Initiatives. “The Heartline Study will help further understanding of how our technology could both contribute to science and help improve health outcomes, including reducing the risk of stroke.”
Since this is a virtual trial, participants don’t have to travel to a clinical trial site they can partake remotely via a proprietary app. The Heartline study could help prevent strokes and deaths AFib leads to 158,000 deaths per year — and could lead the way toward a new approach to clinical trials that leverage greater sample sizes and more consistent reporting. Those interested in participating can sign up at Heartline.com.
