The app, AFDetect, will make use of your phone’s built-in camera and flash light to detect a person’s pulse, which is then analyzed to see if you are suffering from a problem called atrial fibrillation. One of the advantages of the app is that you will be able to test yourself at all times of the day if you choose, compared to ECG tests conducted in the hospital where it can be a lengthy and sometimes expensive process, and where doctors might miss the irregularity if your heart palpitations do not occur when you are at the doctor’s.
Of course hospital equipment is definitely a lot more accurate at diagnosing, especially given that this pretty much relies on your phone’s camera and flash, but like we said, this should do in a pinch and for times when you just want to do a quick check. The app is available for Android and an iOS version is expected to arrive in January.