2nd September 2025

Health Technology Wales guidance: Smartphone based photoplethysmography for the detection and monitoring of artrial fibrillation

Health Technology Wales has published new guidance on the use of smartphone-based photoplethysmography (PPG) to detect and monitor atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition that causes an irregular and fast heartbeat. To diagnose the condition, the heart needs to be monitored for irregular or fast heartbeats.

Smartphone based apps have been developed which use PPG technology to identify AF.

This technology works by using cameras on smartphones to detect small changes in light absorption from the fingertips to measure heartbeats.

It has been proposed that these apps can make it easier to diagnose AF.

According to HTW’s guidance PPG shows promise for the detection and monitoring of atrial fibrillation in adults with known or suspected atrial fibrillation. However, the evidence is insufficient to support routine adoption of the technology.

The guidance states that according to available evidence, PPG applications have good diagnostic accuracy and could potentially lead to a faster diagnosis for some patients.

However, there is not enough evidence to support the cost effectiveness of smartphone PPG.

To read the guidance in full click here.