Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Use of the ECG Watch in Palpitation Assessment: Feasibility Study

This study is investigating a new way to understand why people experience palpitations, which are those uncomfortable feelings of a racing or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations are a common reason people visit their GP. Often, it's hard to catch what's happening to the heart during a palpitation because they don't always occur when someone is at the doctor's office. Current methods, like a 24-hour heart monitor, aren't always successful at recording these short, irregular heartbeats. Researchers think a special ECG watch, which can record your heart's electrical activity, might be a much better tool. The main goal is to see if this 'ScanWatch' is a good and dependable way to check for heart rhythm problems when you have palpitations. They hope it will provide clear recordings at least 90% of the time, helping doctors figure out the cause of your palpitations more effectively.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Palpitation

What is this study about?

Palpitations can feel worrying. They're sensations like your heart skipping a beat, pounding, or racing. In fact, they're a common reason why people visit their GP. About 16 out of every 100 people visiting their doctor do so because of palpitations. Out of these, nearly half are due to a problem with the heart's rhythm.

Catching these abnormal rhythms on an ECG (a test that records your heart's electrical activity) is key to understanding what's going on. However, it's often difficult because palpitations usually come and go quickly and don't always happen when you're at the doctor's surgery. This means doctors often need to use special monitors to record your heart outside the clinic. Currently, a 24-hour heart monitor (called a Holter monitor) is often used, but it only picks up the problem in a small number of cases, sometimes as low as 22%.

This study is looking at a new, easier way to record your heart during a palpitation: a special ECG watch, like the ScanWatch. The researchers believe this watch could be a much more reliable tool, providing clearer and more frequent recordings when you actually feel symptoms. The main aim is to see if this watch works well and gives clear results at least 90% of the time, helping doctors make a more accurate diagnosis for your palpitations.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates an ECG watch for diagnosing palpitations.
It aims to capture heart rhythms when you feel symptoms.
Participation involves wearing a watch and a small monitor for up to a month.
The goal is clearer heart recordings to help doctors with diagnosis.
The watch is loaned for the study, not kept.
Your regular medical care will continue as normal.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have been referred to a heart doctor (cardiologist) because of palpitations. You would need to be experiencing palpitations fairly regularly – either at least once a month for the last three months, or at least once a week for the last month.

You'd also need to own a smartphone that works with a specific health app called HealthMate, and be able to understand and agree to take part in the research. Finally, you would need to be registered with a social security scheme, like the NHS.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, are pregnant or breastfeeding, unable to use the watch or have certain skin allergies to patches. If you or your legal guardian are under adult protection, or if you simply don't want to take part, you wouldn't be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18 or over?
Have you been referred to a heart doctor for palpitations?
Do you get palpitations at least once a month (or weekly recently)?
Do you own a smartphone compatible with the HealthMate app?
Are you able to use a connected watch to record your heart?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker or defibrillator?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, after your initial meeting, you will be given information on how to use the special connected watch and will be loaned one. At the same time, you'll also be fitted with a small, lightweight heart monitor called a Spider Flash for 14 days.

You'll wear the connected watch for at least 14 days, up to a month. The important part is that when you feel a palpitation, you will try to activate the watch to record your heart's activity. All the recordings from the watch will be sent automatically to a secure online platform. Once your loan period is over, you will return the watch to the heart department at your hospital. The Spider Flash will be removed after two weeks.

After the study is complete, your doctors will look at the results from these recordings (as part of your normal care) to decide if you need any further tests or changes to your treatment. This study doesn't involve any additional hospital visits beyond your usual care, and the total duration would be about a month for wearing the watch and monitor.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially benefit you by helping your doctors get clearer information about your heart rhythm during palpitations, which might lead to a more accurate diagnosis sooner. You would also be contributing to medical research that could help others with similar conditions in the future. Potential risks are generally low, as the watch is a non-invasive device. There's a small risk of skin irritation from the Spider Flash monitor and the possible inconvenience of wearing the devices. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Clermont-Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France

Common questions

What exactly is a palpitation?

A palpitation is when you become aware of your heartbeat, feeling it skip, pound, or race, often without a clear reason.

What is an ECG watch?

It's a special smartwatch that can record the electrical activity of your heart, similar to a standard ECG test, often by touching sensors on the watch.

Why is it hard to diagnose palpitations?

Palpitations often happen suddenly and for a short time, making it difficult for doctors to record your heart's activity when you're at the clinic.

Will I get to keep the watch after the study?

No, the watch is loaned to you for the study and must be returned to the hospital's cardiology department afterwards.

Does this study replace my usual doctor's appointments?

No, this study adds to your usual care. Your doctors will use the information gathered to help with your ongoing treatment.

How to find out more

Lise LACLAUTRE

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr +33473754963 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.