We teach you everything you need to know about the electrocardiogram on the Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is a complete health device that allows us to perform a large number of tests. Not only can we measure our heart rate with the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch is also capable of performing an electrocardiogram of our heart and detect potential problems such as atrial fibrillation.
He ECG is a test that we recommend you take if you have a compatible Apple Watch with an electrocardiogram, especially if you feel unwell. The results are fairly reliable, although Apple always recommends seeing a doctor if you feel unwell.
What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (also called ECG or EKG) is the Visual representation of the electrical activity of the heart as a function of timeThis is a test that records the duration and intensity of the electrical signals that make the heart beat. With an ECG, the doctor can obtain information about the heart rhythm and detect possible irregularities in the heart.
Which Apple Watch models can perform an electrocardiogram?
Not all Apple Watch models are capable of performing an electrocardiogram. It is a feature Available starting with Apple Watch Series 4 and is not present on the Apple Watch SE. Here is the list of Apple Watch models compatible with the ECG app:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
In which countries is the Apple Watch electrocardiogram active?
The Apple Watch electrocardiogram is active in the major countries in the world, including Spain, the United States, European countries and several Spanish-speaking countriesThe full list can be found on Apple’s website and includes the following Spanish-speaking countries:
- Chili
- Colombia
- Spain
- Mexico
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
How to perform an electrocardiogram with the Apple Watch
Performing an electrocardiogram with the Apple Watch will take no more than 30 seconds. Here’s what you should do:
- Adjust the Apple Watch to your wrist properly, with the rear sensor in contact with your skin.
- Press the Digital Crown button on your Apple Watch and open the ECG app, which has a white background and a representation of a heartbeat.
- Rest your arms on a table or in your lap.
- With the hand opposite the one you’re wearing the watch on, hold your index finger on the Digital Crown.
- Wait 30 seconds while Apple Watch performs the test.
- After completing your registration, you will receive an assessment and can then tap “Add Symptoms” to choose the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Tap “Save” to note down your symptoms, then tap “OK.”
The Apple Watch electrocardiogram is a test that I recommend you do
How to interpret the results of an Apple Watch electrocardiogram
When you perform the ECG, You will receive a notification on your iPhone with a report on the electrocardiogram. You can also access all the ECGs you have taken from the Health app > Explore > Heart. The report may give different results depending on your needs. Apple explains very well on its website:
- Sinus rhythm: Indicates that the heart beats evenly between 50 and 100 beats per minute (BPM), with the atria and ventricles in synchrony.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF): This indicates an irregular heart rhythm and is the most common serious arrhythmia. If you have not been diagnosed with AF and get this result, you should see a doctor.
- High or low heart rate: If the heart rate is too high or too low, the test may fail. ECG app version 1 has difficulty detecting AF at rates below 50 BPM or above 120 BPM, while version 2 has problems with rates outside the range of 50 to 150 BPM.
- Inconclusive: An inconclusive result indicates that the record cannot be evaluated.