A smartwatch as a rhythm monitor in prehospital emergency care. (14th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cobos Gil, M A
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 42(2021)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-10-14
• Subjects: Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Arrhythmia Analysis; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.3046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-668X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: A ubiquitous, portable rhythm monitor would be potentially useful in out of hospital emergencies. Smartwatches with ECG capability (SW-ECG) can obtain a single lead ECG similar to lead I. Purpose: We propose a new method to use the SW-ECG to monitor cardiac rhythm when attending cardiac emergencies in the prehospital setting Methods: The SW-ECG is used as shown in the figure. The explorer grabs the left hand of the patient and the back of the watch and touches the face of the patient with the watch crown. A record of the difference of potential between the head and the left arm is obtained. The EC lead so formed (head – left arm (HL)) is quite similar to lead I, and can be used to explore the cardiac rhythm in a patient. In 15 volunteers we recorded the I and HL leads using an SW-ECG. The records were compared for diagnostic accuracy. Results: In all cases, the records were qualitatively similar (see figure). There was an excellent correlation between the heart rate measured by the two procedures (R 2 =0, 92). All the abnormalities present in lead I (1 case AF, 1 case RBBB, 1 case LBBB, 1 case frequent premature ventricular contractions) were also evident in the HL lead. The mean time required to obtain a diagnostic record was 3.9 seconds. Conclusion: We propose a quick, simple method to use the SW-ECG to assess heart rhythm in out of hospital emergencies. SW-ECG Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding sources: None.