This New Apple Watch Band Can Tell if You're About to Get a Stroke

The Apple Watch already offers a range of health-centric features, and it is about to become even more capable. AliveCor has unveiled the Kardia Band for the Apple Watch that can detect abnormal heartbeats and warn you of an impending stroke.

Being touted as first-of-its-kind, medically-approved wristband, Kardia Band can detect any abnormal rhythm in the heart of the wearer, and instantly notify them if the beats signal a stroke possibility. The data can also be quickly shared with the wearer's doctor. The Kardia Band will be priced at around EUR 200 (roughly Rs. 15,000), and will go on sale in about two months.

A wearer will be able to tap on a sensor on the Kardia Band strap, and take an ECG reading. The Kardia Band app, which is available for Android and iPhone, works in conjunction with Apple's Health app.

"My patients significantly benefit from knowing if their ECG is normal and when they are having an AF episode," said Dr Richard Bogle, a consultant cardiologist at St Helier hospital in Surrey. "With a more complete view of what is happening with my patients between appointments, we can make better decisions."

"Kardia Band for Apple Watch represents both the future of proactive heart health and the introduction of the wearable med-tech category," said Vic Gundotra, the firm's chief executive. "These combined technologies give us the ability to deliver personal reports that provide analysis, insights and actionable advice for the patient and their doctor."

We expect many new Apple Watch bands to be unveiled at Apple's upcoming event scheduled for March 21. The company is also expected to unveil a 4-inch iPhone SE, and a 9.7-inch iPad Pro.