Connect
Apple Watch Afib data discrepancy?
Here's one for any techn minded folks out there...My Apple Watch is set up to continuously monitor Afib. When setting it up, I entered that I have been diagnosed with Afib, which I believe means it does not send an alert each time it detects Afib.
Here's my question: How is it that even though it indicates that throughout a 24 hr period over the past six weeks I had Afib 2% or less of the time (meaning I may have not had any Afib, but it's accuracy is not absolute), yet it also indicates that over the same six week period I had Afib 3% of the time on Saturdays and Sundays? How is that possible?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.
Connect
Rounding errors? It's still well within the 'standard error of measurement' for the device, meaning you apparently have no registered events that you can call up if you poll your record on the watch.
You mentioned that you configured the watch to only collect time in AFib and not to alert when it starts, is that correct? If so how could you an idea of the time in AFib?
As I mentioned in a different post I don't think these devices are literally constantly monitoring for events but looking back at a previous period which for my Fitbit seems to be 10 minute periods.
These devices are still labeled as "consumer grade" and not "medical grade" they are far from perfect no matter the advertising. Example is the stair count feature. I have a set of stairs leading from basement to 1st floor that has 12 steps. I do those stairs literally 8 + trips a day. On most days it records "one" flight on many others "0".
If it can't count stairs I would not put a lot of faith in counting time in AFib.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsPlease do a holter monitor and that will assist you in determining your A Fib. The cardiologist will interpret the results. The watch is a consumer grade "assistance", however, it is not absolute. My fitbit had stated I had bouts of A Fib. I went to the cardiologist - who I was glad I came - just to check it out. The holter said I did not have A Fib, but very occasional PAC. Very different diagnosis - as the occasional PAC was nothing for me to worry about.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThanks for the replies. The Apple Watch reports 2 different Afib history metrics: Afib day-to-day over the last six weeks (Mon - Sun), and How my daily Afib changed over the last six weeks (24 hour time period). Given that both metrics use the same data collection technology, it's a mystery to me that the device indicates that I have a 3% Afib burden on Sat & Sun during the past six weeks, yet have a 2% or less burden in any 24 hour period during the same six weeks. I'm guessing it's a bug in the data analysis algorithm.
I'm six months out from PF ablation and I'm currently wearing a Zio patch, which I will be sending in for analysis later this week. Hopefully that will provide more reliable data. I certainly hope so because based on the results, the EP will decide whether I can cut back on my meds.
My watch records the same, 2% or less since my cardiologist set my watch up for me. Figure it means no afib. But agree with other, if it can't even count steps, how can it accurately measure afib?
IWatch can misconstrue PACs as Afib. I was reading 10% Afib, 2 weeks on heart monitor showed none. Be careful relying on IWatch or any other device.