Identifying the Prevalence of the Life-threatening Atrial Fibrillation Using a Smartphone-Based Wireless Electrocardiography Device: An Observational Study

• Main Authors: Esha Dyundi, Prashant Gupta, Robin Choudhary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
• Series: Journal of the Practice of Cardiovascular Sciences
• Subjects: arrhythmias; atrial fibrillation; electrocardiography device; intraventricular conduction delay; sanketlife; smartphone-based wireless electrocardiography device
• Online Access: http://www.j-pcs.org/article.asp?issn=2395-5414;year=2019;volume=5;issue=3;spage=186;epage=190;aulast=Dyundi

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of arrhythmia across the world. Yet, many cases remain undiagnosed making it difficult to estimate the exact prevalence of AF. Aims: This observational study was done to understand the feasibility of a hand-held electrocardiography (ECG) device – SanketLife – in detecting AF cases. Materials and Methods: In the study, ECG data collected from the device for a period of 2 months were evaluated to detect AF cases. The device took 12-lead and single-lead ECG recordings in various health-care settings including self-monitoring done by patients at their homes and in diagnostic laboratories using the device for screening as well as hospitals using the device in their outpatient departments. The reports were saved in SanketLife Cloud and evaluated anonymously by a certified ECG expert and the findings were further confirmed by a cardiologist to evaluate AF or any other findings in the ECG. Results: SanketLife effectively captured AF cases and demonstrated the feasibility of using such a device in any care setting being clinical or home monitoring. Conclusion: The study concluded that the device can be used for regular monitoring by patients suffering from chronic AF. In health-care settings ranging from primary care to tertiary care, the device can be beneficial.