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← Return to Apple Watch accuracy ?
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Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (14)
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I've worn an Apple Watch for a couple of years, and I do not believe it accurately measures Afib. In July 2024 I had a pulsed field ablation (Mayo Jacksonville), and a subsequent Holter monitor showed zero Afib. However, since then my Apple Watch weekly report has continued to show Afib, ranging from 7% to 25%. My cardiologist said he thinks the watch confuses my premature atrial contractions (I have a 10-12% load) for Afib. Even then, how do I get an Afib report of 7-25% if the PAC load is no more than 12%? I have no idea. I continue to record the results, but I'm skeptical that I'm getting meaningful data.
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I have had problems with PVC-PAC burden as high as 25% and my Kadia has never reported it as Afib.
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Hello, I saw your comment and would like to suggest something to you,,,if it won't be unwelcome. You may already be aware of this, in which case please disregard, and you needn't even reply if you wish...I won't be offended:
If there's even a modest chance that you are having some extended runs of PACs, there's a good chance it indicates a problem with the ablation and that you may even be having, or will eventually have, a return to AF. This is quite common after an ablation for AF. So, if you are at risk, and are not currently on a DOAC, please think about it. There is always that greatest risk from AF, it being stroke, that you should bear in mind when dealing with iffy stats, whether they come from a smart watch, a Kardia, or a 12 lead ECG properly administered. Even if the true burden you cite is really only half that, there's some risk of a stroke for you.