The coronavirus couldn't have come at a worse time for clinical trials, maybe except for Apple's Heartline Study. This is by far the largest randomized cardiovascular trial to date and is shaping up to be something that people who are at risk for cardiovascular illness and the elderly would benefit from.
What's The Heartline Study Anyway?
A dual partnership by Apple and Johnson & Johnson, this aims to target seniors and some who have undetected heart problem known to be called atrial fibrillation. The study wants to see if those who receive an Apple Watch improves their chances and also those who receive health tips delivered from their iPhone.
The goal was to sign over 150,000 Americans over the age of 65. They officially started the trial around the last Tuesday of February. Then the coronavirus hit.
Why Isn't it All Bad for Heartline Study?
The good thing about this clinical study is that it can be done remotely, with no doctor appointments, no check-ups, no drug infusions. Enrollees need only to purchase an Apple Watch at a very steep discount of $49 from the $400 price tag Apple usually charges. Enrollees of the study can get their Apply Watch via Best Buy's website and can do participate all in the safety of their homes where they will continue the study for over 24 months.
The ability to participate at home may become a public necessity believes some experts that communities around the globe need to follow social distancing routines for 18 months or more until the cure is found and distributed.
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How did the Heartline Study Come to Be?
The study was first predated by another study from Apple and its Apple Watch. That previous study had enrolled over 400,000 people and found that the Apple Watch could safely detect the heart rate irregularities that required further testing from for A-fib. From that study, it was presented to a large cardiology meeting in which Apple was granted clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to alert the people at risk for A-fib.
Why Heartline is A Good Distraction And Other Remote Tests Like it
The answer is simple; it gives people something else to do in these troubled times. Ethan Weiss, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, said, "People want an alternative. They want to be distracted".
He also added, "There almost is an increase in interest in participating in a clinical trial or something like that, because it gives people something else to do and think about - and not worry about getting infected with the virus all the time."
Atrial Fibrillation, What is it?
Atrial Fibrillation or A-fib is a condition that can lead to many illnesses, including strokes, heart failures, and other serious complications that might lead to death. It is defined as having an irregular or quivering heartbeat that can lead to blood clots.
At least 2.7 million Americans have this condition, and many more are not diagnosed. With the help of Apple Watch, it can be detected and treated as well.
