From the Guidelines
A Whoop band can be a useful tool in detecting signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), but it should not be relied upon as a definitive diagnostic device. The Whoop wearable device continuously monitors heart rate and heart rate variability, which can identify irregular heartbeat patterns that may indicate AFib, as supported by the 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS guideline for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation 1. When the device detects sustained irregular rhythms, it can alert users to potential AFib episodes. However, it's essential to understand that while Whoop can identify potential AFib symptoms, it is not a medical diagnostic device. Any irregular heart rhythm detected by a Whoop band should be followed up with proper medical evaluation by a healthcare provider, as emphasized in the guideline 1.
Some key points to consider when using a Whoop band to detect AFib include:
- The device can identify irregular heartbeat patterns, but it requires visual confirmation by a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis 1
- The Whoop band serves best as an early warning system that can prompt users to seek appropriate medical care rather than as a replacement for clinical diagnosis
- If you notice alerts about irregular heart rhythms from your Whoop band, especially if accompanied by symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you should consult with a healthcare provider promptly
It's also important to note that the diagnosis of AFib requires medical-grade ECG monitoring and physician assessment, as outlined in the guideline 1. The Whoop band can be a useful tool in detecting potential AFib episodes, but it should not be relied upon as the sole means of diagnosis. Instead, it should be used in conjunction with proper medical evaluation and care.
From the Research
Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
- Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular arrhythmia that can be diagnosed using 12-lead electrocardiography 2
- Home monitoring is recommended if there is clinical suspicion of arrhythmia despite normal test results 2
Wearable Devices for Atrial Fibrillation Detection
- The WHOOP strap has an arrhythmia notification feature that can detect atrial fibrillation, but its performance needs to be assessed for safety and accuracy 3
- A study is being conducted to assess the ability of the WHOOP strap to detect atrial fibrillation using its WHOOP Arrhythmia Notification Feature (WARN) algorithm 3
- The Apple Watch Series 6 has been shown to have high agreement with the Polar H10 for measuring heart rate during certain resistance exercises, but its accuracy for detecting atrial fibrillation is not established 4
- The Whoop Band 3.0 has been shown to have moderate to low agreement with the Polar H10 for measuring heart rate during certain resistance exercises, but its accuracy for detecting atrial fibrillation is not established 4
Treatment and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- Treatment for atrial fibrillation is based on decisions made regarding when to convert to normal sinus rhythm vs. when to treat with rate control, and how to best reduce the risk of stroke 2
- Beta-blockers are strongly recommended to avoid rapid ventricular conduction and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, but their use as a preferred rate-control therapy is being questioned 5
- Cardioversion is a rhythm control strategy to restore normal/sinus rhythm, and can be achieved through drugs or a synchronised electric shock 6