Abstract
Objectives : We prospectively examined the validity of a new wristwatch-type pulse wave monitoring device for atrial fibrillation（AF）. Methods : In 84 AF patients（73 paroxysmal and 11 persistent AF, age 70.1 ± 10.0 years）, the new wristwatch-type pulse wave monitoring device（test machine : HC-1, Seiko Epson）and the already-existing Holter monitoring device（SEER-light, GE healthcare）were simultaneously used to record the pulse and electrocardiogram, respectively, for 24 hours. Both of the recordings were separated by 30-min intervals for AF detection（≥30-min persisting AF was counted）. AF burden was compared between the two devices. Results : Among 84 patients, AF was detected in 29 patients by HC-1. Using the Holter monitoring device（AF was detected in 28 patients）as the gold standard, the sensitivity and the specificity of the pulse wave device for detecting AF were 92.8％ and 94.6％, respectively. Among 3660 sections, AF was detected in 682 sections by HC-1. Using the Holter monitoring device（AF was detected in 724 sections）as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of HC-1 were 92.0％ and 99.5％, respectively. The correlation of AF burden between HC-1 and the Holter monitoring device was 0.799. Conclusion : The wristwatch-type pulse wave monitoring device, HC-1, could be worn for a long period of time and could continuously judge the irregularity of pulses which were specific to AF. In that sense, it would be a useful tool to improve the diagnosis of asymptomatic AF.
