Omron blood pressure monitor irregular heartbeat accuracy

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Open access

Highlights

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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends Microlife WatchBP for atrial fibrillation screening during blood pressure measurement

Meta-analysis showed a sensitivity of 0.98 (95% CI 0.95, 1.00) and specificity 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) for detecting atrial fibrillation with this monitor

Interpretation of blood pressure measurement during atrial fibrillation

Recommendations for screening of atrial fibrillation from scientific societies

Recommendations for atrial fibrillation detection with automated blood pressure measurement.

Abstract

Several guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in subjects aged ≥ 65 years using pulse palpation during routine blood pressure (BP) measurement. However, this method has limited diagnostic accuracy. A specific algorithm for AF detection during automated BP measurement was developed and implemented in a novel oscillometric device (Microlife WatchBP Home-A). In 2013, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended this device for AF screening during routine office BP measurement in primary care in subjects ≥ 65 years. A review and meta-analysis of the evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of this algorithm were performed. Six studies (n = 2332) investigated the accuracy of AF detection using the Microlife BP monitor and estimated a pooled sensitivity at 0.98 (95% CI 0.95, 1.00) and specificity 0.92 (0.88, 0.96). Analysis of 4 studies (n = 1126) showed more readings to improve specificity (from 0.86 to 0.91) and sensitivity (from 0.97 to 0.99). Taking 3 sequential readings with at least 2 detecting AF gave the highest diagnostic accuracy. A single study (n = 139) of paroxysmal AF screening with home BP monitoring (3316 days) showed sensitivity 99% and specificity 93%. Another study (n = 46) of AF screening with 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring showed that AF detected in > 15% of all readings has high probability of AF diagnosis requiring confirmation by 24 h electrocardiography. AF detection with routine automated BP measurement is a reliable screening tool in the elderly, which requires confirmation by electrocardiography. Paroxysmal AF might also be detected by routine automated home or ambulatory BP monitoring.

Keywords

Arrhythmia

Blood pressure monitoring

Self-measurement

Home blood pressure

Clinic

Stroke

Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Omron Healthcare has launched a new FDA-approved blood pressure monitor, named Complete, with EKG capability.

Developed in alliance with AliveCor, the new device features an upper arm cuff for simultaneous monitoring of blood pressure and EKG readings at home.

EKG is considered as an important measurement for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition associated with a higher stroke risk.

By leveraging a new AliveCor-designed algorithm, Complete enables better detection of the possibility of AFib, in addition to medical-grade blood pressure measurement from Omron.

Omron Healthcare president and CEO Ranndy Kellogg said: “Complete is a groundbreaking tool for patients managing AFib and for those who suspect they may have an irregular heartbeat.

“Irregular heartbeat is difficult to diagnose because it’s just that – irregular.”

“Managing risk factors is essential for good heart health. By measuring more data points, we’re helping users and physicians gain a more complete heart health picture to evolve treatment and produce better health outcomes.”

The new blood pressure monitor can be connected with the Omron Connect mobile app meant for users to store, track data over time as well as share their heart health data with their physician.

Omron Healthcare key business unit head Tim Sheehan said: “Irregular heartbeat is difficult to diagnose because it’s just that – irregular. During our beta testing, Complete discovered my arrhythmia and, by using it with the Omron Connect app, I was able to share my readings with my doctor and discuss treatment. Now Complete helps me manage my condition.”

The company manufactures and distributes personal heart health and wellness products, including home blood pressure monitors and electrotherapy devices.

In January this year, Omron Healthcare introduced a wearable blood pressure monitor HeartGuide.

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