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In JACC. Asia

Background : Current wearable devices enable the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF), but a machine learning (ML)-based approach may facilitate accurate prediction of AF onset.

Objectives : The present study aimed to develop, optimize, and validate an ML-based model for real-time prediction of AF onset in a population at high risk of incident AF.

Methods : A primary ML-based prediction model of AF onset (M1) was developed on the basis of the Huawei Heart Study, a general-population AF screening study using photoplethysmography (PPG)-based smart devices. After optimization in 554 individuals with 469,267 PPG data sets, the optimized ML-based model (M2) was further prospectively validated in 50 individuals with paroxysmal AF at high risk of AF onset, and compared with 72-hour Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring, a criterion standard, from September 1, 2019, to November 5, 2019.

Results : Among 50 patients with paroxysmal AF (mean age 67 ± 12 years, 40% women), there were 2,808 AF events from a total of 14,847,356 ECGs over 72 hours and 6,860 PPGs (45.83 ± 13.9 per subject per day). The best performance of M1 for AF onset prediction was achieved 4 hours before AF onset (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.94). M2 sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy (at 0 to 4 hours before AF onset) were 81.9%, 96.6%, 96.4%, 83.1%, and 88.9%, respectively, compared with 72-hour Holter ECG.

Conclusions : The PPG- based ML model demonstrated good ability for AF prediction in advance. (Mobile Health [mHealth] technology for improved screening, patient involvement and optimizing integrated care in atrial fibrillation; ChiCTR-OOC-17014138).

Guo Yutao, Wang Hao, Zhang Hui, Liu Tong, Li Luping, Liu Lingjie, Chen Maolin, Chen Yundai, Lip Gregory Y H

2021-Dec

AF, atrial fibrillation, AUC, area under receiver operating characteristic curve, ECG, electrocardiography, NPV, negative predictive value, PPG, photoplethysmography, PPV, positive predictive value, ROC, receiver operating characteristic, artificial intelligence, atrial fibrillation, machine learning, risk prediction