Apple collaborating with Johnson & Johnson on new stroke study

Apple Watch Heart Beat
Apple Watch Heart Beat (Image credit: Rene Ritchie/iMore)

What you need to know

  • Johnson & Johnson has announced a new virtual study in collaboration with Apple.
  • The new Heartline Study aims to explore whether an iPhone app and Apple Watch can reduce the risk of strokes.
  • That's because of earlier detection of atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of strokes.

Johnson & Johnson has announced a new Heartline health study in collaboration with Apple, as it seeks to discover whether an iPhone app and Apple Watch can reduce the risk of strokes.

As reported by CNBC, a press release states:

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced that the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, in collaboration with Apple, opened enrollment for the Heartline Study. The study is designed to explore if the Heartline Study app on iPhone and heart health features on Apple Watch can improve health outcomes, including reducing the risk of stroke, with earlier detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib, a common form of irregular heart rhythm, is a leading cause of stroke in the U.S. To enroll in the Heartline Study, individuals must be age 65 or older, a U.S. resident, have Original (traditional) Medicare, own an iPhone 6s or a later model, and agree to provide access to their Medicare claims data. To learn more, determine eligibility to participate, and download the app, visit Heartline.com.

Atrial fibrillation is a leading cause of strokes, and more than 33 million people worldwide live with the condition. Most people don't know they have it until after a serious cardiovascular event, making early detecting a massive window of opportunity.

On its collaboration with Apple and the impact of its technology the release states:

"Apple technology is making a meaningful impact on scientific research through the powerful capabilities of iPhone and Apple Watch, all with privacy at the center of the participant experience," said Myoung Cha, Apple's Head of Health Strategic Initiatives. "The Heartline Study will help further understanding of how our technology could both contribute to science and help improve health outcomes, including reducing the risk of stroke."

Participants in the study must be 65 years or older and live in the U.S. Participants will receive heart health education as well as wellness tips, survey and questionnaires whilst participating.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9