Just in time: detecting cardiac arrest with smartwatch technology
Sudden cardiac death is the cause of nearly 50% of all cardiovascular deaths and is often precipitated by sudden cardiac arrest.1 When cardiac arrest occurs outside of the hospital setting, it has a 9·1% survival rate to hospital discharge in the USA.1 Because there is a nearly 18% decrease in survival for every minute of delay in defibrillation,2 early detection and response to sudden cardiac arrest can mean the difference between life and death. However, a detection technology that fits into daily life, and yet provides accurate and actionable information, is a crucial unmet clinical need.