Smartwatches and Patch Sensors Fall Short in Reducing Strokes

  • iRhythm’s wearable heart monitor failed to reduce stroke rates in a recent study
  • The GUARD-AF study had low event rates and truncated enrollment due to the pandemic
  • Only 25% of patients were enrolled, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions
  • Zio patch found AFib in 5% of wearers compared to 3.3% without the monitor

A recent study on iRhythm Technologies’ Zio heart monitor has shown disappointing results, failing to reduce stroke rates among patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The GUARD-AF study, which faced low event rates and truncated enrollment due to the pandemic, found no reduction in stroke rates. However, the Zio patch did detect AFib in 5% of wearers compared to 3.3% without the monitor. iRhythm aims to prove its value by including other cardiac outcomes in future studies.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the study’s results and its limitations, as well as quotes from experts in the field. It also includes relevant background information on the purpose of the study and the companies involved. However, it could be improved by providing more context on the significance of the study and the implications of its findings for the broader medical community.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the study’s results and its implications for iRhythm Technologies and the use of smartwatches and patch sensors in healthcare. It also includes expert opinions and discusses potential future studies to further explore the effectiveness of these devices.
Public Companies: iRhythm Technologies (IRTC), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), Pfizer (PFE)
Key People: Renato Lopes (Duke University School of Medicine), Suraj Kalia (Oppenheimer analyst)

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Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: iRhythm Technologies’ stock price
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of a study on iRhythm Technologies’ Zio heart monitor and its effect on financial markets, as well as the company’s stock price.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses the inconclusive results of a study on the effectiveness of iRhythm Technologies’ Zio heart monitor in detecting atrial fibrillation, but does not mention any extreme events.
Move Size: 3%
Sector: Healthcare
Direction: Down
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Image source: James Heilman, MD / Own work

Reported publicly: www.barrons.com