Improving atrial fibrillation or flutter detection and management by smartphone-based photoplethysmography rhythm monitoring following cardiac surgery: a pragmatic randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) after cardiac surgery are common and associated with adverse outcomes. The increased risk related to AF or AFL may extend beyond discharge. This study aims to determine whether photoplethysmography (PPG)-based smartphone monitoring to detect AF or AFL after hospital discharge following cardiac surgery improves AF management.

Methods and results

The intervention group performed 1 min rhythm checks three times daily using a smartphone-based PPG application during 6 weeks after hospitalization for cardiac surgery. The primary outcome involved AF management interventions by independent physicians, including initiation of oral anticoagulation (OAC), direct cardioversion, and up-titration or initiation of antiarrhythmic drugs.

SUBMITTER: Gruwez H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11826921 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature