Apple is reportedly collaborating with Boston-based telemedicine vendor American Well and a group of clinicians at Stanford (Calif.) University to test whether its smartwatch's heart rate sensor can be used to detect heart rhythm abnormalities, according to CNBC.
If the Apple Watch's heart rate monitor proves accurate for detecting sensitive heart signals, it could help identify arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythms that show no external symptoms but increase a patient's risk for blood clots and strokes, among other complications.
A clinical study to investigate whether the Apple Watch can detect arrhythmias in a cohort of people is set to begin later this year, a source familiar with the matter told CNBC.
American Well declined to comment on its involvement with Apple to CNBC. Apple also declined CNBC's request for comment and Stanford did not return CNBC's request for comment.
Apple is slated to announce a new product line Tuesday. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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