Johnson & Johnson and Apple have joined to launch a new study called Heartland to explore the potential of the Apple Watch to be used to reduce the risk of stroke.
The partnership opened enrolement in the Heartline™ Study this week. The study aims to assess whether the Heartline™ Study app on iPhone, and the ECG app and irregular rhythm notification feature on Apple Watch, can reduce the likelihood of stroke and improve health outcomes with earlier detection of atrial fibrillation.
Paul Burton, M.D, Janssen Scientific Affairs, said “As we look to tackle some of the greatest health care challenges, we must bring the best minds and capabilities to the table.”
“Through this important collaboration with Apple, we are pioneering new models that we hope can break down some of the most common barriers to participation in clinical studies. Our work continues to develop and deliver solutions for those impacted by AFib in the areas of detection, treatment and care, through novel approaches, so that we can potentially improve their lives today and well into the future.”
Dr. C. Michael Gibson, Co-Chair of the Heartline™ Executive Committee “Heartline™ is a study that has the potential to fundamentally change our understanding of how digital health tools, like the ECG app and irregular rhythm notification feature on Apple Watch, could lead to earlier detection of AFib, helping patients understand and directly engage in their heart health, prompting potentially life-saving conversations with their doctors, and improving health outcomes.”
The randomised study will provide ongoing education, tips, surveys and questionnaires across many topics related to overall heart health each week, throughout the two-year active engagement period.
The ECG app can classify an electrocardiogram as sinus rhythm or AFib and the irregular rhythm notification feature will provide notifications of irregular heart rhythms suggestive of AFib.
Through the app-based approach, the study will enable participants to engage in the study remotely. Participation in the study will span a total of three years with two years of active engagement, followed by one year of additional data collection.
