Apple Watch Australian Heart Study – Australian consumer self-screening of coronary artery disease using Apple Watch 12-lead ECG with Advanced ECG analysis 

Project Lead

Professor Martin Ugander, University of Sydney

Project Team

Zaidon Al-Falahi, University of Sydney; Enid Eslick, University of Sydney; Andreas Andersson, Advanced ECG Systems

Industry Partner

Advanced ECG Systems Pty Ltd

Project Summary

Problem

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, and early detection is crucial for effective management and prevention. Current screening methods are often delayed due to high costs and the limited accuracy of conventional ECGs and non-invasive imaging techniques. This results in a significant gap in the early detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), leading to increased mortality and healthcare costs.

Solution

The Heart Watch Study, conducted by the University of Sydney, aims to address this gap by evaluating consumer self-screening for CAD using the Apple Watch's 12-lead ECG and Advanced ECG analysis. This innovative observational cohort study will recruit 30,000 Australian Apple Watch users aged 20-79 without known heart disease. Participants will use the Heart Watch app to perform self-screening ECGs. Over two years, the study will track major adverse cardiac events (MACE) to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Apple Watch's Advanced ECG analysis. The study will also determine the diagnostic prevalence of major ECG pathology in a general population cohort and evaluate the outcomes associated with Advanced ECG analysis.

Impact

The Heart Watch Study has the potential to revolutionise CAD screening by providing a low-cost, accurate, and accessible method for early detection. The study’s findings could enable widespread consumer self-screening, reducing healthcare costs through early intervention and improved management of heart disease. With a global market of over 100 million Apple Watch users, the Heart Watch app could significantly impact preventative cardiovascular care. The app, expected to be available for $20 per download or bundled with healthcare provider services, promises substantial commercial potential. The study’s results will be disseminated through scientific publications, conferences, and stakeholder briefings, ensuring broad visibility and impact.