Smartphone App Detects Atrial Fibrillation Without Additional Devices

Finnish researchers at the University of Turku and the Heart Centre of the Turku University Hospital managed to use the accelerometers built into most smartphones to detect atrial fibrillation (Afib), an often serious but sometimes difficult to detect arrhythmia. The technology has been dubbed as gyrocardiography and it may rival electrocardiography (ECG) for detecting Afib in many use cases, particularly letting patients assess their own heart rhythms without relying on additional devices beyond smartphones that nearly everyone now has.

The researchers developed the technology over a number of years, initially starting with specialized, stand-alone sensors attached to the skin. As their processing software improved and accelerometers within smartphones became more sensitive, they were able to translate all the technology into a smartphone app.



In a recent study, the app was compared against clinicians analyzing ECG recordings of hospitalized patients, demonstrating an impressive correlation that should hopefully warrant larger, further studies in ambulatory individuals. In a small previously conducted proof-of-concept study, the technology showed 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity in detecting Afib.

A spin-off company, named Precordior, has been formed to further commercialize the technology.