ECG implants, smartwatches key for early detection of heart failure and COVID-19 management: GlobalData

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices with electrocardiographic (ECG) capabilities such as medically implantable monitors and more consumer-focused products such as AliveCor’s KardiaMobile 6L and Apple’s Series 4 and 5 represent the future of cardiac monitoring, according to GlobalData. The company notes that these devices’ ability to track early heart damage and provide useful warning signs of cardiac status will be critical to monitoring heart complications and COVID-19 management.

Implantable ECG devices and smartwatches to help battle against COVID-19

The SARS-COV-2 virus can cause several heart complications, including myocarditis, acute coronary syndromes, and arrhythmias. Therefore, GlobalData’s report, ‘Remote Patient Monitoring Devices – Thematic Research’, highlights that ECG monitoring, which can help detect defects and arrhythmias, is critical to COVID-19 management.

Elia Garcia, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “RPM devices can greatly improve the management of various conditions, including heart complications. While the integration of RPM into healthcare systems is a relatively new phenomenon, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly expedited the adoption rate of RPM devices. In fact, RPM became one of the fastest growing and most in-demand industries in 2020 and 2021. During the height of the pandemic, these devices helped to improve workflow at healthcare facilities and lifted the burden from overworked health systems. Now, we can use these same systems to track and manage COVID-19-related complications.”

Remote patient monitoring market to reach $760 million by 2030

In a survey conducted by GlobalData, 38 per cent* of respondents agreed that remote patient monitoring devices improved health outcomes and enhanced healthcare access. Further, GlobalData estimates that the RPM market will reach $760 million by 2030, up from $548.9 million in 2020.

Garcia continues, “The advancements we have seen in implantable ESG devices will trigger changes in follow-up procedures and how goals are met. Clinicians will be able to intervene in a timely manner to improve clinical outcomes and reduce medical expenses. There are multiple benefits to implantable remote monitoring systems in heart monitoring, including increased early diagnosis of arrhythmias, greater accessibility for patients with reduced mobility that find it difficult to attend physical healthcare settings regularly, and more efficient follow-up for medical alerts or recalls for the detection of system failures.”

*GlobalData’s Remote Patient Monitoring survey, ended 19 Oct 2021; 192 respondents