Detecting Atrial Fibrillation in Patients After Stroke

Develop and Validate Machine-Learning Algorithm to Detect Atrial Fibrillation With Wearable Devices

Observational Emory University · NCT05795842

This study is testing a new smartwatch tool to see if it can help find atrial fibrillation in people who have had a stroke, to reduce their risk of having another one.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05795842 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate a machine-learning software for long-term monitoring and detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) using biometric data collected from consumer smart devices like smartwatches. It will enroll 500 subjects who have experienced an ischemic stroke of uncertain cause and are being followed at the Emory Stroke Center. Participants will undergo standard extended ECG monitoring alongside the use of a wearable wristband. The goal is to improve the diagnosis of AF, which is often asymptomatic but can significantly increase the risk of subsequent strokes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55 and older who have had an ischemic stroke of uncertain cause and are receiving follow-up care at the Emory Stroke Clinic.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 55 or those without a need for extended cardiac monitoring may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation, reducing the risk of future strokes in patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using consumer technology for health monitoring, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 55 years of age or older.
* Post-discharge with diagnostic of index ischemic stroke with uncertain cause.
* Subject must be treated at the Emory Stroke Clinic for follow-up treatment.
* Subject must be prescribed a clinical extended cardiac monitoring.
* Subject or their Legal Authorized Representative (LAR) must be willing and able to provide informed consent.
* Subject, family proxy, or caregiver must understand English and the instructions to manage and recharge the study wrist device.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject is younger than 55 years of age at the time of consent.
* No indication for clinical extended cardiac monitoring.
* Subject, family proxy, or caregiver unable to understand English and unable to follow the instructions on how to manage and recharge the study wrist device.
* Subject has a diagnosis of structural valve disease, endocarditis, aortic arch atheroma \>3 mm, hypercoagulability, on lifelong anticoagulation, or has an active neoplastic disease
* Subject or LAR is not willing or able to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke, IschemicCardiac monitoringAtrial Fibrillation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.