Hybrid smartwatch developed for AFib and sleep apnoea detection

Withings has unveiled the ScanWatch – a clinically validated hybrid smartwatch which detects the risk of arrhythmia (AFib) and sleep apnoea.

The wearable has been developed by cardiologists and sleep experts to help monitor overall health in a bid to identify prevalent, yet largely underdiagnosed, cardiovascular and sleep issues early.

It is an activity monitor able to track parameters such as steps, calories, elevation, workout routes (via connected GPS) and can automatically recognise daily activities such as walking, running, swimming and cycling. 

There’s also Fitness Level assessments through an indicator called VO2 Max, which measures the heart and muscles ability to convert oxygen into energy during physical exercise.

Mathieu Letombe, CEO of Withings, said: “ScanWatch is our most ambitious medical tracker and purposely designed to detect the early presence of AFib and sleep apnoea - two related issues that are extremely common yet largely undiagnosed, despite their known impact on multiple health conditions. Worn throughout the day and night, ScanWatch provides an early warning system, collecting and sharing critical health data with users and their physicians.”   

AFib is the main form of irregular heart rhythm that is often underdiagnosed as it can be intermittent and missed if symptoms are not occurring during infrequent doctors’ visit.

ScanWatch can detect if a user has AFib or if their heart rhythm is slow, high or normal thanks to its ability to take a medical grade electrocardiogram (ECG) on-demand as well as its proactive heart scanning feature. 

Since AFib symptoms are irregular or may not even be known to users, ScanWatch offers a new early warning detection capability. Through its embedded PPG sensor, the device can continuously monitor heart rate. When ScanWatch detects an irregular heartbeat it will prompt the user via the watch display to take an ECG reading.

When users do experience symptoms or have been alerted of an abnormal heart rate, they can take an ECG, in 30 seconds, through three built-in electrodes by touching both sides of the bezel. During the measurement, users can see the live electrocardiogram displayed on the watch screen or in the accompanying Health Mate app. Once the reading is complete, the results can be viewed both directly on the watch screen and in the app. A history of all recordings, their associated classifications and any noted comments or symptoms are stored in the app.

One billion people are estimated to suffer from mild to severe sleep apnoea, a serious condition that can lead to major cardiovascular issues. However, 8 out 10 people don’t know they have it. For the first time, ScanWatch is able to detect the presence of night sleep apnoea episodes through an SpO2 sensor that emits and absorbs a light wave passing through blood vessels. All night long, it measures oxygen saturation levels to identify when levels are inadequate due to breathing disturbances such as sleep apnoea.

It also provides sleep monitoring and analysis of sleep patterns, including the length, depth and quality of sleep. Each morning, users can access their Sleep Score in the Health Mate app that is based on sleep duration, depth regularity and interruptions. ScanWatch has a Smart Wake-up capability that wakes users with vibration alarms at the most optimal time in their sleep cycle.

In keeping with Withings’ reputation for elegant style, ScanWatch’s high-end craftsmanship includes a waterproof, 316L stainless steel case and sapphire glass watch face. Its face shows the time as well as a sub-dial that shows the percentage of daily step goals achieved, which are set and managed within the Health Mate app.  

The PMOLED display shows health and sports data such as daily and previous day steps and sleep score as well as calories, distance and heart rate. Users can scroll through each screen thanks to a newly designed digital crown on the side of the watch.

The device connects Health Mate app that provides data and insights, as well as the ability to schedule activity reminders and set goals.