- FDA has approved the Apple Watch’s ability to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), making it the first digital health tool with this distinction.
- FDA approval allows the Apple Watch to be used as a medical device, not just a fitness tracker and assesses the burden of AFib in clinical trials.
- FDA’s confidence in the Apple Watch’s measurements paves the way for more technology integration in healthcare and earlier disease detection.
- The achievement by Apple sets a precedent for further innovation in digital health technologies, which can improve our lives and well-being.
Apple Watch FDA approval! The smartwatch has reached an important milestone in the field of health technologies, becoming the first digital health technology approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with its feature used to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib).
We can say that a new era is beginning at the intersection of wearable technology and the healthcare industry.
So what does all this mean? Let’s take a closer look!
Apple Watch FDA approval: Smart watch can be used as a medical device
AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is a type of heart rhythm disorder that causes irregular and often rapid heartbeats due to abnormal electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart called atria. The Apple Watch’s ability to detect such heart conditions saves lives by allowing users to be diagnosed early and intervene when necessary.
This FDA approval has enabled the Apple Watch to go beyond being just a smartwatch and be recognized as a medical device. The approval allows the Apple Watch AFib feature to assess the burden of atrial fibrillation. This feature can be used in clinical trials to help evaluate the effectiveness of procedures such as cardiac ablation in treating rhythm disorders.
The FDA has approved the Apple Watch for use in assessing atrial fibrillation burden, giving confidence that the device provides reliable and scientifically valid measurements.
This approval shows how far Apple Watch has come in the field of health technologies and how integrated the technology can contribute to healthcare. It also sets an example for other technology companies to innovate and develop digital health technologies. With this achievement, Apple has proven that technology can make our daily tasks easier and revolutionize how we protect our health and detect diseases early.
Featured image credit: Simon Daoudi / Unsplash
