How OMRON AFib Technology Works

What Is AFib?

AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is an irregular heartbeat. It happens when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync.

Some people feel symptoms like:

• Fast or fluttering heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Fatigue or low energy

But many people don’t feel symptoms at all. That’s why AFib can sometimes go unnoticed. If untreated, AFib can increase the risk of stroke and other heart problems.

How OMRON AFib Technology Works

OMRON’s IntelliSense™ AFib technology is built into select OMRON blood pressure monitors. During a normal blood pressure reading, the device automatically screens for irregular pulse patterns that may suggest AFib. There are no extra wires, patches, or additional steps required.

The technology uses advanced machine learning and analyzes pressure pulse wave patterns while the cuff inflates. The system evaluates hundreds of mathematical data points during a reading to help identify disturbances linked to AFib.

OMRON blood pressure monitors with IntelliSense™ AFib technology are clinically validated and FDA authorized. Clinical studies showed the technology demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 98% specificity for detecting possible AFib.

Most importantly, the screening happens automatically every time you check your blood pressure at home.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for AFib. Over time, hypertension puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. This can change both the structure and electrical activity of the heart, making irregular heart rhythms more likely to develop.

Research shows people with hypertension are significantly more likely to develop AFib compared to those with healthy blood pressure levels.

Because these two conditions are so closely connected, OMRON believes blood pressure monitoring can also play an important role in earlier AFib screening.

Why At-Home Screening Is Important

AFib can be difficult to detect during a single doctor’s visit because episodes may happen occasionally. Regular monitoring at home may help identify irregular heart rhythms that otherwise go unnoticed.

That’s especially important for adults over 50 and people living with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

OMRON’s connected blood pressure monitors also sync with the OMRON connect app, allowing users to:

• Track readings over time

• Monitor trends

• Share results with healthcare providers

• Better understand their heart health between doctor visits

Advancing AFib Research Through an At-Home Study

OMRON is also helping advance research into earlier AFib detection through a new at-home clinical study focused on people with hypertension. In collaboration with researchers at UCSF, the study is evaluating how home blood pressure monitoring may help identify AFib earlier in people at higher risk.

Participants in the study use at-home monitoring technology to better understand how AFib develops and how it can be detected sooner. The goal is to improve screening methods, expand access to early detection, and help connect more people to treatment before serious complications occur.

This research supports OMRON’s mission to make heart health monitoring easier, more accessible, and more proactive for people managing hypertension and other cardiovascular risks.

If you are 60 years or older and have high blood pressure, you may be eligible to participate in the study. Learn more here.