Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, is a Stanford cardiologist focused on developing novel approaches to the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Prior to becoming faculty at Stanford, Dr. Sanjiv Narayan spent more than a decade performing research in heart rhythm medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Today’s research in this field is largely focused of the application of modern technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like atrial fibrillation.

1. Clinical Trial
Screens 60,000
for Atrial
Fibrillation with
Smartphones
SANJIV
NARAYAN

2. Introduction
 Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, is a Stanford cardiologist focused
on developing novel approaches to the treatment of atrial
fibrillation. Prior to becoming faculty at Stanford, Dr. Sanjiv
Narayan spent more than a decade performing research in heart
rhythm medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
Today’s research in this field is largely focused of the application
of modern technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of
conditions like atrial fibrillation.
Recently, a trial in Belgium successfully screened more than
60,000 individuals using only smartphones, which represents an
effective way of identifying patients with the condition without
putting a significant strain on medical resources. Participants
used an app that tracks rhythm disorders with pulse-
plethysmography through the smartphone camera.

3. Atrial Fibrillation
 In the study, individuals were reminded to measure
heart rhythm twice daily, and then whenever they
experienced symptoms over the course of 8 days.
Irregular measurements were analyzed by medical
technologists working in collaboration with
cardiologists.
Overall, 62,821 people enrolled and 61,730 individuals
completed the trial. In the end, 791 individuals had
measurements that were concerning for atrial
fibrillation, but 72 percent of these participants
reported no symptoms, which reinforces the
importance of screening measures.