Ever since the Apple Watch was launched, one of its features was the ability to let users know if they were suddenly experiencing high or low heart rates out of the blue, suggesting that they could have a heart problem. This has led to several lives being saved. This was later improved upon with an ECG monitor which also proved to be just as useful (although some doctors disagree).Now it seems that in the future, the Apple Watch could be used for stroke detection as well. This is according to a report from USA Today in which it was revealed that Apple is working with Johnson & Johnson on an Apple Watch study to help reduce the risk of stroke. According to Paul Stoffels, Johnson & Johnson’s executive vice president and chief scientific officer, “The goal is to identify early on AFib and prevent stroke by combining the physical know-how from Apple and what we have from the medical and scientific know-how.”
Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams adds, “We are receiving thank you letters daily from Apple Watch wearers who are discovering they have AFib. We want a deeper understanding about outcomes and prevention associated with early detection. We are excited to work with Johnson & Johnson, which has a long history and expertise in cardiovascular disease.”
That being said, we probably shouldn’t expect to see this feature anytime soon. This study will be kicking off later this year and is expected to go on for a few years, which means that if there is any kind of implementation, it won’t be so soon. In the meantime other features that Apple could be working on is a non-invasive way of glucose measurement.
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