As a touchpoint for digital health, atrial fibrillation (AF) reflects real clinical and tech success.

The health of our President is critical.

From Lyndon Johnson’s gallbladder to Ronald Reagan’s colon, the clinical status and conditions of our leaders provided something far beyond the fodder of Twitter and newspaper columns.

It provides a platform for disease communication and awareness. And in the context of advances in health technology and digital health, President Biden’s condition, called atrial fibrillation (AF), is a touchpoint for the success of these innovations—from clinical tools to patient empowerment.

Atrial fibrillation is a common condition, often seen in the elderly. This arrhythmia or beating abnormality is characterized by an irregular cardiac rhythm or heart rate.

While sometimes AF is asymptomatic, it can an also be associated with palpitation-like symptoms that can impair lifestyle.

However, AF is also associated with an increase in stroke, and strokes associated with this type of arrhythmia are commonly more severe. AF affects more than 2 million Americans and can increase an individual’s risk of stroke four to six times. Diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate clinical monitoring are essential to mitigate symptoms and risk.

The President can help drive awareness and treatment for this condition. And along the way, he can support the valuable role that technology plays in care.

Uniquely, AF is now part of the domain of the digital health movement and consumer products like the Apple Watch and KardiaMobile, by AliveCor.

These innovative products provide valuable information that can help in the detection and management of heartbeat abnormalities. The story is quintessentially entrepreneurial and captures “the heart” of digital health innovation.

Once the brainchild of AliveCor founder and electrophysiologist Dave Albert M.D., today it's an ECG available on a simple device you can purchase from Amazon for under $100. Further, this innovation is supported by clinical validation in peer-reviewed publications.

From laboratory theory to a consumer's hand, the role of technology in the diagnosis and management of AF is a powerful tool that in many ways, defines today's digital health movement. And beyond technological and life-saving clinical achievement, the potential for significant cost savings adds to the impressive array of benefits. 

Digital health is moving from “gadgets” to powerful clinical tools that empower both clinicians and patients.

Early diagnosis and consumer-friendly monitoring can play a key role in this technological revolution, particularly for those with AF.

As digital health evolves and plays a more central role in healthcare, it can make an important difference from the doctor's office to the Oval Office.