Apple, Johnson & Johnson team up for Apple Watch study on AFib

USA Today reports that Apple and Johnson & Johnson are teaming up on a study to determine whether the Apple Watch Series 4, in conjunction with an app from the pharmaceutical company, can accelerate the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

AFib, is responsible for about 130,000 deaths and 750,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S. Up to 30% of cases go undiagnosed until life-threatening complications occur. Worldwide, about 33 million people have the condition.

The controlled, randomized multi-year Johnson & Johnson study will launch later this year and be limited to people who are 65 years of age and older and wear the Apple Watch Series 4 in the U.S., according to USA Today. Specific details on how to participate haven’t yet been announced.

In November Apple, in conjunction with Stand Medicine, launched an Apple Heart study, which has concluded, designed to facilitate research study using Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor to collect data on irregular heart rhythms and notify users who may be experiencing atrial fibrillation (AFib).Apple will continue to collect data from Apple Watch currently participating in the program until the study concludes on Jan. 31, 2019.