In 2015, Apple launched its ECG application for Apple Watch Series 4 via a software update, which allows you to monitor your heart rate electrical patterns and analyze them to prevent potential heart problems. Don’t know how to use it? Take a look at our guide!

Everything you need to use the ECG on Apple Watch

You only need two things to use the Apple Watch ECG application:

1-An iPhone updated with the latest version of iOS.

2-An Apple Watch Series 4 and above updated with the latest version of WatchOS.

ECG: is it an effective medical tool?

It may be true that the Apple Watch ECG has already saved lives, but keep in mind that this test is not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis of a heart attack, stroke, or other health problem. In other words, don’t rely on the ECG feature of your Apple Watch as it will never replace a medical specialist.

How to set up and use the ECG application on Apple Watch

How do I activate the ECG function?

First of all, for the measurement to be as reliable as possible, the watch strap must be tight enough around the wrist, not too tight but not too loose either. There must be good contact between the watch base and the (dry) skin.

On the iPhone, go to the “Health” app and follow the instructions. If the welcome message does not appear automatically, go to the “Heart” category of the “Health data” tab.

Monitoring and receiving notifications

As for permanent monitoring and receiving notifications (in case of beats that are too slow, too fast or irregular), this is an option to be activated on the phone, in the “Watch” app, “My watch” tab and in the “Heart” line.

Set up your age

Before you can make your first reading, open the Health application on your iPhone. The first time you launch the application, you will be asked if you want to set up the ECG function, where you will be asked to specify your age, if you are not yet 22 years old, the function cannot be activated (it is based on your date of birth registered in the Health app profile).h and read a guide on what the function can and cannot do.

How to do an ECG?

On the Apple Watch, open the “ECG” app with its curve icon. Those who need it the most will be able to register it as a complication in a dial.

Note:

For more accurate results, we advise you to keep your arm resting on a desk, place the index finger of your other hand on the crown and stay as still as possible, as any movement could affect the test.

Where to find the electrocardiogram results?

After each ECG test, the Health application informs you of the results on your iPhone and allows you to view a summary graph of your heart rate and get some relevant advice.

On the iPhone, in the “Health” app, the “Today” tab holds the history of the collected data. You can also go to “Health data” and the “Heart” category.

Result types

Once the test is complete, you will get one of three results: sinus rhythm, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or Inconclusive.

• Sinus rhythm means that the heart is beating evenly.
• AFib means the heart beats irregularly.
• Inconclusive means that the application encountered difficulty getting a reading due to your movement or other factors.

Export results to pdf!

. It’s also easy to show your doctor, since you can also export it as a PDF file.

Have you ever used the ECG application on the Apple Watch?