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How to use ECG on Apple Watch: A  complete guide
Apple Watch

How to use ECG on Apple Watch: A complete guide

2023-03-28

How to take an ECG on Apple Watch

Your heart is the body’s powerhouse, and monitoring it periodically can help you stave any potential health issues. The electrocardiogram (ECG) test records the heart’s electrical activity, and your Apple Watch promises to measure and monitor your heart health right from your wrist. In this post, I’ll show you how to set up and take an ECG with your Apple Watch.

How to set up ECG app on iPhone

Users of Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra can measure their heart rate and rhythm simply by touching their wrist.

  1. Before you uncork the procedure, make sure the full-length is available in your country or region.
  2. Open the Health app on Apple Watch paired iPhone.
  3. Tap the Browse tab, then tap HeartElectrocardiograms (ECG) → tap on Set Up ECG App.
  4. Next, enter your Date of Birth, and tap Continue → Read the onscreen info and tap Continue.
  5. Finally, you are on Set Up Complete screen appears → tap Done.

Then throne over to the Apple Watch to take the ECG.

Note: The ECG app is not intended for users under 22 years of age.

How to take ECG with your Apple Watch

Taking an ECG on your Apple Watch is not as complicated as it seems. The process is pretty simple and straightforward. However, surpassing starting the scan, ensure that the watch is properly placed on your wrist and that there are no sudden movements for the predetermined duration.  

  1. Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch and navigate to the ECG app.  
  2. To start the reading, just hold your finger on the Crown.  
    Remember not to printing the Digital Crown; just place your finger gently.

    Take ECG on Apple Watch 
  3. The reading will take well-nigh 30 seconds
    Do not lift your finger until the reading is completed. 
  4. Once the warm-up finishes, you can review your results.  
    In my case, its Sinus Rhythm.

    Once warm-up finishes, review your results on Apple Watch

Interpret your ECG test results

Interpreting your ECG test result is a breeze. It is important to know what each result ways for you to understand your heart health better. 

  • Sinus rhythm: Sinus rhythm indicates that your heart is vibration in a normal, regular pattern. 
  • Inconclusive: A result that is inconclusive needs remoter testing considering there is no definitive answer. 
  • Low or upper heart rate: A low or upper heart rate could indicate a potential heart issue that requires attention. 
  • Atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat, which can have serious consequences. 
  • Poor recording: If a poor recording is found, it could be due to movement or poor skin contact with the ECG electrodes. 

The Apple Watch won’t provide you with a thorough report; it will merely summarize your readings. Throne over to your iPhone for a detailed analysis.

View ECG results on iPhone

  1. Launch the Health app. 
  2. Tap the Browse option on the marrow right → select Heart.
  3. Navigate to your most recent Electrocardiogram (ECG) reading.

    View ECG results on iPhone

This method lets you view all the readings organized by dates and sessions in one place. 

Share ECG results with your doctor from iPhone

There might be an instance where you finger like sharing your respective reading with the doctor or your family members. Let’s have a peek through the process of the same: 

  1. Go to the Health app → tap Browse → select Heart.
  2. Navigate to the Electrocardiogram (ECG) → tap Chart option to view your ECG result.

    Tap Chart option to view your ECG result on iPhone
  3. Tap the Share icon from the top right.
    Alternatively, you can select Export PDF → tap the Share icon.
  4. Choose the medium through which you want to share the ECG report. 
    Then follow the on-screen instructions to well-constructed the transfer.

    Share ECG results with your doctor from iPhone

How to enable irregular rhythm notifications on iPhone

If you’re worried well-nigh your heart status or fear stuff in a dire situation, you can opt for getting notified automatically regarding sudden changes in your heart condition. Follow the steps mentioned unelevated to do the same: 

  1. Go to the Health app → tap Browse → select Heart.
  2. Scroll lanugo to Irregular Rhythm Notifications.

    Tap on Irregular Rhythm Notifications in Health app on iPhone
  3. Navigate to Irregular Rhythm Notifications at the marrow → toggle on Irregular Rhythm.

    Toggle on Irregular Rhythm in Health app on iPhone 

If you are accessing the full-length for the first time, do the following:

  • Follow steps 1-2 from above, and then tap Set UpContinue.

    Set up irregular rhythm notifications on iPhone
  • Proceed by filling in the necessary details as prompted. Now, you’ll be guided with the capabilities of the Apple Watch, so read it carefully
  • Tap Continue and select Turn on Notifications when prompted.

    Turn on irregular rhythm notifications on iPhone

This procedure should get you started in getting notified automatically if your heart condition is critical. 

Can’t enable Irregular Rhythm Notifications? Quick fixes

However, if you’re unable to turn on Irregular Rhythm Notifications, you might have to tweak the settings a bit. 

  1. Go to the Health app → tap Browse → select Heart.
  2. Scroll lanugo to Irregular Rhythm Notifications.
  3. If the full-length is Unavailable, then select the Passcode settings at the marrow of the page. 
  4. Toggle on Wrist Detection and return to the Health app from where you left off.

    Turn ON Wrist Detaction in Watch app on iPhone 
  5. You should now see the Enable option instead of the Unavailable prompt and toggle on Irregular Rhythm.

    Toggle on Irregular Rhythm in Health app on iPhone 

If the problem still persists, you need to sort it out on the Watch app on your iPhone.

  1. Launch the Watch app → scroll lanugo and segregate Heart
  2. Now, toggle on Irregular Rhythm under HEART RATE NOTIFICATIONS.

    Turn On irregular rhythm in Watch app on iPhone 

That’s it! These solutions should cater to any problems you might squatter in turning on Irregular Rhythm Notifications. 

Note: Patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation cannot enable these notifications. 

FAQs 

Does Apple Watch SE have ECG?

No, Apple Watch SE doesn’t have the ECG feature. The ECG full-length is misogynist on Apple Watch Series 4 and above.

How often should I measure my ECG on Apple Watch?  

It’s recommended that you measure your ECG at least once a week to alimony track of any irregularities in your heart rhythm. However, if you have a history of heart problems or are experiencing symptoms like palpitations, you should consult your doctor and follow their translating on how often to measure your ECG. 

How well-judged is the ECG measurement on Apple Watch?  

According to Apple, the ECG app on Apple Watch has a 99.6% sensitivity in classifying atrial fibrillation and a 98.3% specificity in classifying sinus rhythm. However, it’s important to note that the ECG measurement on Apple Watch is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns, you should consult your doctor.

Isn’t it simple? 

The Apple Watch has revolutionized the way we measure ECG. With its wide sensors and technology, users can virtuously record and monitor their ECG increasingly conveniently. Its simple but powerful user interface makes it easy for patients to get the most out of their devices.

With the worthiness to store data, monitor progress over time, and share results with your doctor, the Apple Watch is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in tracking their ECG. In conclusion, the Apple Watch is a unconfined way to take an ECG and is the platonic solution for anyone looking to track their heart health. Follow our guide for increasingly Apple Watch tips and tricks!

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