Method and apparatus for monitoring a subject for atrial fibrillation

A method for monitoring a subject of interest for atrial fibrillation, the method comprising:

• activating an apparatus comprising one of a transmissive device, or a reflective device, each with a plurality of emitter/detector pairs with at least one illuminator emitting source light at a specified wavelength band, and fixed to an inner side of a band worn circumferentially around an area of exposed skin by a subject of interest being monitored for the presence of cardiac arrhythmia, each detector comprises at least one sensor that is sensitive to a wavelength band of the illuminator, the detector measuring an intensity of received light emitted by an illuminator, said measurements comprising a continuous photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal for said subject, said apparatus comprising a control panel with a LED which is activated when the device is turned ON, an alert LED which is activated in response to an alert condition, a LED which is activated when atrial fibrillation is not present, and a speaker providing an audible alert in response to a presence of atrial fibrillation, said controller
• (i) turning said emitter/detector pairs ON/OFF for a desired length of time,
• (ii) receiving said measured intensities from each of said detectors, and
• (iii) communicating said intensities to a wireless handheld device executing a downloadable application for analyzing said continuous PPG signal measured intensity for a determination of the presence of atrial fibrillation, said wireless handheld device signaling said controller to perform at least one of:
• turning ON said alert LED to indicate a presence of atrial fibrillation, and emitting a sound through said speaker.