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How to Use an Apple Watch ECG
Take an electrocardiogram using your Apple Watch
By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Set Up the Health App's ECG Feature Take an ECG Reading on Your Apple Watch What Do the Apple Watch ECG Results Mean Set Apple Watch AFib Notifications If you have an Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or Series 6, use the ECG app to check your heart rate and rhythm without an iPhone, essentially performing an electrocardiogram. The ECG app uses your wearable's electrical heart sensor to detect potential problems, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here's how to use the ECG app on your Apple Watch. Apple advises that only people over the age of 22 use the ECG app. Your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 5.1.2 or later to use this feature. Set Up the Health App' s ECG Feature
Before you begin, you'll need to make sure the ECG feature on your paired iPhone's Health app is set up. If this is your first time using the Health app, you'll be prompted to complete all setup instructions, including the ECG app setup. If you haven't yet set up the ECG app in your Health app, tap Browse > Heart > Electrocardiograms and then tap Set Up ECG App. The ECG feature isn't available everywhere. Check with Apple to see if your region supports this app. How to Take an ECG Reading on Your Apple Watch
Fit your Apple Watch securely to the wrist you selected in Settings, and then follow these steps: An Apple Watch ECG is an informative tool and shouldn't be used as a substitute for medical care. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing any concerning heart-related symptoms! Open the ECG app on your Apple Watch. Relax the arm that's wearing your Apple Watch and rest it on a table, desk, or your lap. Using the hand not wearing the watch, hold your finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds without pressing down. Keep your finger on the Digital Crown until the countdown is complete. When the ECG app is finished, the Apple Watch will display your rhythm type, heart rate, and any sign of atrial fibrillation, as well as a reminder that the Apple Watch can't detect a heart attack. Tap the plus sign to add symptoms, and then tap Save. You can also view your ECG results in the Health app on your paired iPhone. What Do the Apple Watch ECG Results Mean
The ECG reading isn't as thorough or accurate as an electrocardiogram performed by your doctor. Still, it offers a glimpse of your heart health and may detect AFib symptoms. Here's a breakdown of some of the terms you might see: Sinus Rhythm
This is good news. Your heart is beating in a normal, uniform pattern with no problems detected. Low Heart Rate
Apple Watch registers a low heart rate at 50 beats-per-minute (BPM) or less. The medical term for a low heart rate is bradycardia; it can be due to medical issues or medications. Elite athletes often register a low heart rate. A low heart rate reading can also be due to outside issues, such as a loose watch band. A low heart rate reading will interfere with the Apple Watch's ability to detect atrial fibrillation. High Heart Rate
A heart rate of over 120 BPM is considered high. This condition is called tachycardia; it can be due to recent exercise, stress, alcohol, certain over-the-counter medications, or medical conditions such as heart disease or thyroid disease. Atrial Fibrillation AFib
AFib means the heart is beating in an irregular pattern, which occurs when the upper and lower chambers of the heart are beating out of sync. It's important to again note that the Apple Watch's ECG isn't as accurate as one taken by a doctor and can't directly diagnose AFib. If your Apple Watch indicates signs of AFib, contact your doctor immediately. AFib can be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea. It can also be caused by alcohol, caffeine, or other factors. Inconclusive
If the Apple Watch is unable to measure your heart rate, it will return inconclusive results. This can be due to a too-loose band or too much movement while taking the ECG. How to Set Apple Watch AFib Notifications
The ECG app lets you set up AFib notifications, so your Apple Watch will alert you if it detects a rhythm problem. This way, you don't have to take an ECG reading to get a warning about an irregular heart rhythm. Here's how to set up heart rate notifications: Open the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone. Select Heart. Under Set Up Irregular Rhythm Notifications, select High Heart Rate. Choose a high heart rate parameter, then go back and select Low Heart Rate. Enter your low heart rate parameter. You've set up notifications for irregular heart rhythm. Turn this feature off any time if you change your mind. How Does Apple Watch Measure Exercise? Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Apple Watch's Low Power Mode Is Great for Travelers, Hikers, and Old Watch Owners iOS 15: Release Date, Features, and Supported Devices Apple Watch: Everything You Need to Know How to Use Apple Watch Is an Apple Watch Worth It? Apple Watch Ultra: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News Apple Watch Series 8: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News How to Connect the Fitbit App to Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch3 Apple Watch SE Review: A More Affordable Apple Watch How to Reset Your Apple Watch The 9 Best Apple Watch Accessories, Tested by Experts Apple Watch Series 6 Review: A Modest Upgrade, But Still the Best How to Pair and Connect an Apple Watch With a New iPhone How the Apple Watch Can Help Keep Seniors Safe How Does Apple Watch Measure Exercise? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies