New research proves that the Apple Watch can detect people with Covid-19 before symptoms even appear

According to a CBS News report, two latest studies indicate that Apple Watch and several other smartwatches can help detect people with Covid-19, before symptoms appear or test positive.

The two studies were conducted completely separately but with the same conclusions. One study was done by the Mount Sinai Health System in New York, another done by Stanford University in California. Both show that the Apple Watch plays a key role in fighting the Covid-19 plague.

Research conducted by Mount Sinai shows that the Apple Watch can detect very small changes in a wearer’s heart rate, which can help detect Covid-19 early before symptoms appear approximately 7 days.

This study analyzes changes in heart rate, a measure commonly used to gauge whether a person’s immune system is working properly. Assistant professor Rob Hirten at Mount Sinai said:

“We already know that changes in heart rate reflect inflammation within the body, and Covid-19 is a very serious inflammatory disease. It allows us to predict the likelihood of people being infected before there are obvious signs. Wearing an Apple Watch can provide early warning, without any obvious information. It is a way to help control the Covid-19 epidemic better ”.

Meanwhile, research from Stanford University tested with Apple Watch, Fitbit and Garmin. All of them show that it is possible to rely on the heart rate variability, to detect early the possibility of Covid-19 infection 9 days before the appearance of clear symptoms.

Stanford University professor Michael Snyder, who led the study, said: “We set the alert with a certain degree of heart rate variability. Small changes will normally not trigger an alarm, but special changes will warn a wearer of a possible Covid-19 infection. That’s very important, because with the warning, you will be able to reduce your contact with others, which means the spread of the disease is greatly reduced.

Professor Snyder emphasized that: “The problem is you can’t test everyone all the time, and these smartwatches can do it 24/7.”

The scientists conducting the research confirm that Apple does not sponsor or participate in their research. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released guidelines, showing how Apple Watch and other smartwatches can help fight the spread of Covid-19.

Reference: 9to5mac