Apple has released a new app known as ‘MyHeart Counts’ which is designed to monitor heart activity. The app is part of the company’s ResearchKit scheme and will be part of the most ambitious cardiovascular research programs ever undertaken. The aim of the project is to help combat strokes and heart disease.
MyHeart Counts – which is currently available on the iPhone 5S, 6 and 6 Plus – will measure the heart activity of the user and supply tailored advice on maintaining a healthy heart, based on the measurements made by the app. The data recorded will also be collated and used for a wider study into the prevention of heart disease.
The user is first required to fill in a survey, after which activity data is collected over a seven day period along with a walk-test. This will establish the risk score of the user. The app will then provide health tips whilst transmitting its findings to Stamford University where researchers use the information as part of a broader survey. Ultimately, this will give a better understanding into the treating and preventing heart conditions.
The first piece of software from Apple’s ResearchKit program is intended to turn millions of iPhone users into volunteers for one of the biggest medical research projects in history.
Mike O’Reilly of Apple’s ResearchKit team expressed his amazement at the fact that a machine designed to check your mail could be used to battle disease. He presented the concept at the app’s unveiling in March as “simply amazing”.
In response to concern regarding the security of the data collected, Apple have stressed that all information is sent to a secure computer, where it is stored anonymously in order to protect user privacy.
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