Plain-English translation of NCT05836987 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Atrial Fibrillation research guide →Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.
REACT-AF is testing a new approach to blood thinner treatment for people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). Instead of taking a DOAC (a type of blood thinner medication) every single day, some participants will wear a special smartwatch that detects when their heart rhythm becomes irregular, and they'll only take the medication for 30 days after that happens. The study compares this "on-demand" approach to the standard practice of taking the medication continuously every day.
Many people with irregular heartbeats don't have frequent episodes, so taking a blood thinner every day may expose them to unnecessary medication risks. This trial is testing whether using smartwatch technology to detect actual episodes and trigger short-term treatment could be safer and equally effective at preventing strokes.
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You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will wear a special smartwatch that continuously monitors heart rhythm and takes the medication for 30 days after an irregular episode is detected, while the other group continues taking the medication every day as usual. Both groups will use a study app on their smartphone and smartwatch, and participation lasts up to 5 years, with regular check-ins through the study sites across the country.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
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