What Are the Requirements for Apple Watch ECG?

You now know which Apple Watch models have ECG. All smartwatches from this brand after the Apple Watch Series 4, including the Apple Watch Series Ultra, support this feature. However, the Apple Watch SE does not have the ECG app available.

Additionally, you must update your smartwatch. The ECG function is only available with watchOS 5.2 or higher, and you need the electrical heart rate sensor in the Digital Crown, unique to the Apple Watch 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Ultra.

How to Use ECG on the Apple Watch?

If you have an Apple Watch 4 or newer, you can perform an ECG with your smartwatch. Want to create an electrocardiogram with your Apple Watch? Follow these steps:

1. Open Health on your iPhone and follow the app’s setup steps for the electrocardiogram.
2. If no setup prompt appears, tap Browse (bottom right), then Heart, and finally Electrocardiogram (ECG).
3. Next, open the ECG app on your Apple Watch.
4. Rest your arm on your lap or a table.
5. Use the hand opposite your smartwatch to hold your finger on the Digital Crown.
6. Wait until the Apple Watch finishes recording the ECG, which takes about 30 seconds.
7. You don’t need to keep pressing the Digital Crown during the session.

Once your ECG is complete, you’ll receive a classification. You can then tap Add Symptoms to select any symptoms experienced during the electrocardiogram. Click Save to set any symptoms, then tap Done.

You can also view ECG results on your iPhone by opening the Health app, tapping Browse (bottom right), then Heart, and finally Electrocardiograms (ECG).

What Do the ECG Results Mean?

After your Apple Watch completes an ECG, you’ll immediately get a result. You can receive one of four messages. Below are their meanings:

What Does Atrial Fibrillation Mean?

Atrial Fibrillation, also known as Afib or AF, is one of the messages you might receive from an ECG on your Apple Watch. This condition involves irregular beating of the upper heart chambers, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke.

Your Apple Watch checks for atrial fibrillation every two hours. If detected, you’ll receive a notification. The smartwatch also conducts five additional tests for confirmation.

Can You Share the Results?

It’s important to note that Apple doesn’t share the information with anyone. The user is the only one who sees the ECG result. However, you can share your Apple Watch ECG results with your doctor or someone else.

To do this, open the Health app on your iPhone, tap Browse, then Heart, Electrocardiogram (ECG), and finally ECG Result. Export the data as a PDF to share with your doctor.

Is the Apple Watch ECG as Good as a Doctor’s ECG?

No, unfortunately, the Apple Watch ECG is less advanced than a doctor’s ECG. This makes sense, as hospitals typically use a “12-lead” device, which gathers data from 12 parts of the heart using 10 electrodes.

The Apple Watch, however, uses just one main sensor. Find the best Apple Watch straps for your Apple Watch 4 or higher to complement your device.

Is the Apple Watch ECG Reliable and Safe?

The Apple Watch ECG is not a substitute for medical care, as Apple clearly states in its documentation. However, the company has conducted research on its ECG functionality. In a clinical trial, about 600 people were examined, half with atrial fibrillation.

The study found that approximately 10% of participants couldn’t be read by the ECG app. For the others, the Apple Watch ECG was highly accurate. Apple noted: “It detected over 98% of people with atrial fibrillation and correctly informed users they didn’t have the condition 99.6% of the time.”

Apple also conducted a significant study to verify the accuracy of heart data from the Apple Watch. Stanford University checked for atrial fibrillation during the Apple Heart Study, though the ECG functionality wasn’t specifically evaluated.

Which Apple Watch Has ECG: Frequently Asked Questions

Which Apple Watch Can Do ECG?

The Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Ultra can perform an ECG using the ECG app, allowing you to check and record your heart rate and rhythm.

Is the Apple Watch ECG Reliable?

Generally, the Apple Watch ECG is very reliable. Apple’s data indicates the ECG 2.0 app has a specificity of 99.3% and a sensitivity of 98.5%.

Why No ECG Under 22 Years?

The Apple Watch ECG isn’t intended for people under 22, as its technology isn’t proven for younger users. It also can’t properly account for the user’s age if they’re under 22.