Smartwatches and fitness trackers can diagnose Covid-19 before symptoms appear, according to two independent studies by scientists at the Mount Sinai Health System and Stanford University. The studies found that heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate measured by these devices can indicate an infection with SARS-CoV-2 up to seven days before symptoms appear. The HRV, which measures the time between two heartbeats, slows down in the early stages of Covid-19, indicating a specific pattern of the disease. The resting heart rate also increases up to nine and a half days before symptoms appear, according to the studies.
The Mount Sinai Health System study involved 300 participants wearing an Apple Watch between April and September 2020. The study found that the HRV data from the Apple Watch could detect Covid-19 up to seven days before symptoms appeared. The study also found that other smartwatches and fitness trackers could produce similar results. The Stanford University study analyzed the resting heart rate of 5,000 participants using various smartwatches and fitness trackers. The study found that the resting heart rate increased up to nine and a half days before symptoms appeared, indicating a possible Covid-19 infection.
While smartwatches and fitness trackers are not yet precise diagnostic tools for Covid-19, the studies suggest that they can be used as early warning systems to detect possible infections. The data can be used to encourage people to quarantine and break the chain of infection. In the future, apps could automatically analyze the data and recommend more precise tests if an infection is suspected. The studies highlight the potential of wearable technology in the fight against Covid-19 and the importance of early detection in controlling the pandemic.
