Contrary to what’s on the surface, PulseOn is not a smartwatch. Developed by a team specializing in high-tech and analysis software for medical use, this end-to-end solution redefines how doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat arrhythmia. Designed to efficiently utilize Optical Heart Rate (OHR) technology, PulseOn, a CE-certified, MDR Class IIa medical device, blends accuracy, science, and convenience.
Easy-to-use, efficient, and optimized for long-term monitoring without daily disturbances, PulseOn is driving significant improvement in the future of healthcare. Additionally, with a technology combining OHR with intermittent ECG for AF (Atrial Fibrillation) screening, it monitors even asymptomatic arrhythmias. Since its first introduction in Finland in 2022, the device has made strides across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, gaining the attention of doctors and patients with its 24/7 care and precision.
From a serendipitous conversation, PulseOn found its way into the life of Juha Kankkunen, a WRC rally legend and 4-time world rally champion. Now retired, Juha, a man in excellent shape and health condition, enjoys an active lifestyle as the lead of the Toyota Rally Team and works at his farm in Laukaa, Finland. When, a couple of years ago, he felt his first arrhythmias, it’s fair to say he was concerned.
Though his arrhythmias were occasional, these rare heart palpitations would lead to weakness and anxiety. Determined to find the cause, he visited the doctor’s office many times. A few times, he was even Holter monitored, but nothing was detected. The rare symptoms continued to burden his freedom, their presence inconveniently disappearing whenever he was being monitored.
The pivotal moment happened when Juha traveled to London for a PR event. During the flight, he happened to be seated next to Jari Kaija, who also happened to be the CEO of PulseOn. As their small talk evolved to health technology, Juha felt compelled to share his arrhythmia concerns. The meeting culminated in Juha accepting Jari’s offer to test the company’s innovative wearable arrhythmia monitor, a medical device normally only prescribed by a doctor.
It was transformative. As the device followed Juha’s heartbeat all day, all night, it was able to record a rare anomaly. It occurred only after 9 weeks of wearing PulseOn, equipping Juha with the necessary data and ECG records to seek professional advice. That knowledge informed the atrial fibrillation (AFib) diagnosis, as well as the medical prescription. Both have proven effective in Juha’s management journey, allowing him to enjoy life to the fullest again.
Juha Kankkunen states, “This [PulseOn wearable] is always available immediately when needed and is extremely easy to use. Anyone who has issues like mine should have this device. Based on the findings, the doctor was able to prescribe the medication that finally worked. A superior device, highly recommended.”
This is only one of many successful stories, positioning PulseOn as a convenient, long-term, accurate alternative to other available solutions. A Holter monitor, for instance, is a popular type of portable electrocardiogram (ECG). Through electrodes stuck to the skin, it monitors irregular rhythm for 24 hours or longer. While effective for patients with daily symptoms, it doesn’t address the needs of individuals like Juha, those whose symptoms show only every few months. Additionally, with electrodes, wires, and a sizable monitor attached together, the device may hamper movement and day-to-day activities like showering.
Photo credit: Cata Portin
On the other hand, an implantable loop recorder (ILR) is designed specifically for long-term monitoring for up to 4.5 years. This length significantly increases the chances of diagnosing AFib, especially among cryptogenic stroke patients. However, this device, typically 4-6cm long, is inserted underneath the skin, making the process quite uncomfortable. The cost is also worth considering, as ILR, a one-time-use device, requires several thousands per patient.
PulseOn, a wrist-worn device that can work for up to 7-10 days without charging, combines the positives of alternative solutions while eradicating their shortcomings. How does it work? The device monitors arrhythmia and measures PPG continuously, while notifying the patient to take an ECG from the same device when an arrhythmia episode occurs. Data is then transferred to the cloud through a secure data management software. On the other side of PulseOn, a patient’s doctor receives real-time results on a user-friendly interface. Data is pre-analyzed, ensuring faster diagnosis and treatment.
This end-to-end solution comes at a time of much need, as 15 million people experience stroke each year, approximately 20% (3 million) of which is due to AFib. Since stroke is the first symptom of AFib-related strokes, its risk can be reduced with the right care and medication. Diagnosis is challenging, and statistics attest to that: one-third of patients diagnosed with AFib are asymptomatic, and short-term monitoring simply can’t provide the necessary predictive value for prompt and accurate detection.
The company’s CEO, Jari Kaija, says, “In Juha’s case, he was lucky to have symptoms. That’s how he knew something was wrong. However, in most cases, the patients newly diagnosed with AFib are completely asymptomatic. They have no idea they have a heart condition that can lead to a stroke. PulseOn was born out of a desire to give AFib the attention it deserves. For us, that’s what the future of healthcare is all about: unparalleled care and accurate results without compromising the quality of life.”