Apple has partnered with Stanford University and telemedicine company American Well to test whether the Apple Watch can be used to monitor common heart conditions, CNBC reports. People familiar with the discussions said the tests aim to discover whether the device’s sensors are sensitive enough to detect abnormal heart rhythms. American Well currently provides iPhone apps that allow those with an internet connection to quickly get in touch with a doctor, and Apple recently secured a patent covers methods of using an iPhone’s FaceTime camera and sensors to take health measurements. Apple is rumored to be working on partnerships across the health care industry, including a potential deal with Aetna to provide “free or discounted” Apple Watches to the company’s 23 million members.
