Early Smartwatch Detection: Getting to the Heart of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common and sustained form of arrhythmia, often presenting as an irregular heartbeat. Dr Choy Chun Ngok, Consultant Cardiologist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, describes it as a degenerative heart rhythm disorder that is linked to factors such as age, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

When left undiagnosed or untreated, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications, including stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. Increasing awareness and the use of technology like smartwatches can now support earlier arrhythmia detection.

Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms and Common Complications

According to Dr Choy, the two most frequent symptoms of atrial fibrillation are heart palpitations and stroke. He compares the heart in AF to a malfunctioning electrical circuit, much like a car engine that revs unpredictably even when idle.

This erratic activity can cause persistent disruptions to normal daily function, with resting heart rates often exceeding 100 beats per minute. In younger patients, heart fluttering may feel like a racing sensation, leading to dizziness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

In older individuals, who may have weakened electrical pathways in the heart, the signs can be more subtle. Despite the presence of irregular heart rhythm, they may not feel their heart racing. This makes atrial fibrillation detection more difficult in older populations.

Why Atrial Fibrillation Should Not Be Ignored

If untreated, atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of stroke due to clot formation in the heart’s left atrial appendage. Sustained high heart rates over time can also lead to heart failure, as the heart becomes overworked and weakened.

To reduce stroke risk, patients are often prescribed blood thinners. For persistent or severe AF, interventional procedures like ablation are considered.

Treating Atrial Fibrillation with Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Dr Choy likens AF treatment to building a fence around a lake. The “stones” disrupting the water represent the erratic signals within the heart. To restore calm, doctors use a technique known as pulmonary vein isolation, where a "fence" is created around the problematic areas using radiofrequency ablation or cryotherapy.

This procedure isolates the pulmonary veins, which are the common sources of the irregular impulses, and helps restore a stable heart rhythm.

The Role of Smartwatches in Atrial Fibrillation Detection

Smartwatches are becoming a valuable tool in heart rate monitoring and early atrial fibrillation detection. These devices can alert users to unusual patterns, such as irregular heart rhythm or elevated heart rates, which may warrant further medical evaluation.

Dr Choy highlights that although smartwatches are not substitutes for medical devices, many can provide accurate alerts for potential arrhythmia, including heart fluttering. If a person receives repeated AF notifications from their device, they should consult a doctor for proper assessment.

However, he cautions that not all irregular heartbeat detections point to AF, and not every AF episode requires treatment. Users should avoid becoming overly anxious and instead use the data as a starting point for a heart check-up with a qualified professional.

Heart Health Monitoring and Proactive Management

With the rise of digital health, smartwatches now offer an accessible way to track heart rate throughout the day. Although they are not diagnostic tools, they can play a supportive role in identifying early atrial fibrillation symptoms.

Raising awareness about heart rhythm disorders and leveraging modern technology for arrhythmia detection is an important step in improving public heart health. Smartwatches, when used responsibly, are a promising aid in early identification and prompt action.

Protect Your Heart with Early Detection

If you notice symptoms such as chest discomfort, heart fluttering, or unexplained fatigue, do not ignore them. Early detection of abnormal heart rhythm is key to preventing stroke, heart failure, and other serious conditions.

For further assessment, book a consultation with a cardiologist in Malaysia or visit Subang Jaya Medical Centre for a full heart check-up.

Source: The Star