The Apple Watch added electrocardiogram (ECG) heart measurements in 2018, and the feature has been saving lives ever since.
Available on the Apple Watch Series 4-10 and Ultra 1/2, ECG readings allow users to receive medical-grade, FDA-approved insights into their heart rhythm.
var currentScript = document.currentScript;
var parentDiv = currentScript.parentNode;
waitForElement();
function waitForElement(){
if(typeof __tcfapi !== “undefined”){
__tcfapi(‘addEventListener’, 2, function(tcData, success) {
if (success) {
if (tcData.eventStatus == ‘useractioncomplete’ || tcData.eventStatus == ‘tcloaded’) {
var hasStoreOnDeviceConsent = tcData.purpose.consents[1] || false;
if (hasStoreOnDeviceConsent) {
var showHeroesScript = document.createElement(‘script’);
showHeroesScript.setAttribute(‘src’,’https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFFExj-BmxICe63′);
showHeroesScript.setAttribute(‘data-wid’,’auto’);
parentDiv.appendChild(showHeroesScript);
}
}
}
});
}
else{
setTimeout(waitForElement, 250);
}
}
The 30-second test can help detect a potential heart rate abnormality, a sign of atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition causes irregular and rapid heart rates – and can go undetected in sufferers.
And it’s serious. “AFib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications,” according to Mayo Clinic.
That’s the skinny version, but there’s so much more to learn about how the Apple Watch ECG app works on your wrist.
In this guide, we’ll explain all the ins and outs of the groundbreaking health feature, including how accurate it is versus medical equipment and how to set it up.
- Smartwatches with ECG
- Apple Watch Series 10 review
What is an ECG measurement?
An ECG reading captures the electrical activity in the heart over a short period. Typically, this is performed through a medical-grade ECG machine, though Apple has managed to bring this health technology to its smartwatches.
It does so by using the electrical heart rate monitor on the underside of the Apple Watch and the Digital Crown, where users need to place a finger from the opposite hand. This lets the Watch monitor the beating of the heart.
The ECG reading checks if the heart’s upper and lower chambers are in rhythm. If it detects they’re out of rhythm, this could be a sign of the heart condition atrial fibrillation.
In a 30-second test, the Apple Watch can tell you if it thinks you’re showing signs of AFib, but you’ll likely need to perform the test several times to get a proper indication.
Are Apple Watch ECG readings accurate?
Since Tim Cook stood on stage and announced the arrival of the ECG app, cardiologists and health experts have speculated on just how accurate the Watch is at detecting irregular rhythms.
After all, this kind of thing would usually be reserved for professional equipment handled by medical professionals – not a tech company.
Apple has acknowledged there’s plenty to do before the feature fully reaches its potential. However, it has published the results of its related Apple Heart Study to show some of its efficacy, which Stanford University also had a hand in.
To get clearance from the FDA in the US and then the CE mark for use in the EEA, it has to meet a certain standard of accuracy. In the study, during testing of 600 subjects in a controlled environment, the Apple Watch detected the sinus rhythm classification with 99.6% accuracy, and reached the AFib classification with 98.3% accuracy.
The technology isn’t flawless, and the Watch can’t say with certainty that you have AFib. Even when your heart is monitored throughout the day, it isn’t continuous. It also can’t detect signs of heart attacks, strokes, or other heart conditions.
How to set up the ECG app on Apple Watch
As mentioned, you must have an Apple Watch Series 4-10 to access the ECG feature.
The ECG app requires specific Digital Crown technology to record the electrical pulses. So, users with an Apple Watch 3 or below won’t be able to use the feature.
You also need to ensure your iPhone and Apple Watch are running the latest version of iOS and watchOS, as this will bring your Health app and ECG app up to date.
Next, open up the Apple Health app on your phone.
If it’s not set up already, you’ll likely get a prompt to do so. For this, all you need to do is enter your date of birth, then you’ll be asked to take your first ECG reading.
How to take an Apple Watch ECG reading
After completing the initial setup, you can take an ECG reading at any time by going into the ECG app on the Apple Watch itself.
Before you go any further, you want to ensure the watch is correctly placed on your wrist – not too tight or too loose – and then, ideally, rest your arm on something.
That’s what Apple advises, at least, though we’ve found that as long as you’re reasonably still it has no problem getting a reading.
Then, touch your index finger from the opposite hand against the Digital Crown. You don’t need to do this too hard – just enough that it’s covering the circle entirely.
You’ll then see a real-time graphic of your heart rate and a timer counting down from 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the Watch will be able to give you the results.
Apple Watch ECG results: What do they mean?
Sinus rhythm: If everything is good and your heartbeat is in a uniform pattern between 50 and 100 BPM, you’ll see ‘Sinus rhythm’. Phew – but we would still recommend doing it several times and turning on irregular rhythm notifications (more on that below).
Atrial fibrillation: The Watch has detected an irregular heartbeat pattern within those same heart rate boundaries. If you get this result, you should perform the test several times and consult your doctor.
Low or high heart rate: The reading is deemed inconclusive if your heart rate is higher than 100 BPM or lower than 50 BPM. There are copious reasons for this; a high heart rate could come from exercise, stress, or even alcohol, while a low one can come from intense training. If you find your heart rate too low or high, you should find out why and, if necessary, consult a doctor.
Inconclusive: It’s possible for the ECG app to deliver this result, which can arise from many things, including too much movement during the test or having the Watch not fitted correctly on your arm.
Set up irregular rhythm notifications
On top of readings you perform manually, you can also have the Apple Watch take occasional readings (usually when you’re still) to spot signs of irregular heart patterns.
While periodic checks are good, continuous monitoring enables the Apple Watch to receive a more comprehensive picture of how your heart is working. Follow the steps below to turn irregular rhythm notifications on.
1. Open the Apple Health app and tap ‘Health Data’.
2. From there, tap on the Heart, scroll down to the bottom, and tap ‘Irregular Rhythm Notifications’. You’ll need to enter your date of birth again and tell the app whether you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation before.
3. The Watch will then monitor for signs of atrial fibrillation, and, if it detects signs on multiple occasions, it’ll send you a notification.
The post Apple Watch ECG app: what is it, how does it work and is it accurate? appeared first on Wareable.
