New study suggests Apple Watch heart rate sensor can predict COVID-19 up to a week before a Pap smear

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers has found that an Apple Watch can effectively predict a positive COVID-19 diagnosis up to a week before current PCR-based nasal swab tests (via TechCrunch).

Published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Medical Internet ResearchThe Warrior Watch Study involved hundreds of health workers in Mount Sinai using a dedicated Apple Watch and iPhone app to monitor and collect personal health data.

All participants were also required to complete a daily survey for several months to provide immediate feedback on possible coronavirus symptoms and other factors, including stress.

The data collection ran from April to September, and the main focus for researchers was heart rate variability (HRV), an important indicator of nervous system load. This data point was combined with reported disease-related symptoms such as fever, pain, dry cough, and loss of taste and odor.

The Warrior Watch Study was not only able to predict infections for up to a week before tests yielded confirmed diagnoses, but also revealed that participants’ HRV patterns normalized quite quickly after their diagnosis, returning to normal at approximately one to two weeks after their positive tests.

The researchers hope the results can help anticipate results and remotely isolate individuals from others at risk, without having to perform a physical exam or have a Pap smear, preventing possible spread before someone is highly contagious.

According to TechCrunch, the research will expand in the future to see what other wearables can reveal about the impact of COVID-19 on the health of healthcare workers, including how things like sleep and physical activity may be related to the disease.

In related research underway, Apple is currently working with researchers from the Seattle Flu Study and the faculty of the University of Washington School of Medicine to investigate how changes in blood oxygen levels and heart rate may be early signals of the development of influenza and COVID. 19.

Previous independent Apple Watch studies have shown that the smartwatch’s heart sensors can detect early signs of diabetes and provide early warning signs of atrial fibrillation.