Using Smartphone-Enabled ECG Monitors to Screen for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition in which the atrial muscle fibers contract in a disorganized and random manner, also known as fibrillating, creating an irregular cardiac rhythm that is ineffective in pumping. AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke or heart failure in the long term. Risk factors for AF-related stroke include age (over 65 and especially over 75), congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and vascular disease.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AF occurs in over three million people in the United States. AF is more common in people over 60, but can even occur in patients in their teenage years.

The risk of a stroke caused by AF can be reduced if the AF is diagnosed and appropriate treatment is given. AF is sometimes asymptomatic, however, and even when symptoms do occur, many of them (fatigue, shortness of breath, etc.) are not unique to AF. For these reasons, AF is typically...