AliveCor, the leader in FDA-cleared mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) technology for mobile devices, today announces the availability of Kardia Band, the world’s smallest single lead medical grade ECG.

Kardia Band works with Apple Watch to provide a single lead medical grade ECG of the user’s heart rhythm to identify possible Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – a leading cause of stroke in the UK. People over 40 have a one in four lifetime risk of developing AFib, which leads to a 500 percent increased risk of stroke [1]. 100,000 people in the UK die annually because of heart rhythm disorders [2], even though it is estimated that 80 percent of these deaths could be prevented [3].

The Kardia Band provides a tool to analyse heart rhythm with a quick touch of the watch strap and can reveal instantly if it is normal or possible AFib. It operates directly with Apple Watch via the Kardia app (downloadable from Apple App Store) and can immediately sync this heart rhythm analysis with other devices such as an iPad or iPhone. Results can also be directly shared with a healthcare professional or person’s circle of care.

Dr Matthew Fay, a GP in Bradford, has been using the AliveCor Kardia technology at his practice and estimates it has reduced appointments related to palpitations and atrial fibrillation by 50 percent.

Kardia technology has the potential to save hundreds of lives a year and the mobile version, Kardia Mobile, was shown as an example of MedTech innovation by the Head of NHS England, Simon Stevens at the NHS Confederation, June 2016.

Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and CEO of Arrhythmia Alliance welcomes the news of the Kardia Band: “This represents a big step forward for everyone – Wearing a medical grade ECG on your wrist will ultimately help towards earlier detection and treatment of potentially fatal heart rhythm disorders so this has the potential to save a lot of lives.”

More than 2.5 million people who suffer from an irregular heartbeat could benefit from the mobile heart monitor, ensuring quicker diagnosis, potentially preventing thousands of deaths, NHS officials said.