The Apple Watch is capable of detecting symptoms of atrial fibrillation and this is all you need to know about this option
The Apple Watch is a spectacular smartwatch and it is, in large part, due to the great health functions it incorporates. From the Apple Watch we can measure both heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, and it is also a device capable of detect atrial fibrillationBut what does this mean?
Apple studies show that the Apple Watch is a device capable of detecting these types of heart problems, and we are going to tell you everything you need to know. How to test your Apple Watch for symptoms of atrial fibrillation as what you should do if they are positive.
The Apple Watch is a powerful health monitoring device
What is atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a type of cardiac arrhythmia that It is characterized by irregular and sometimes rapid atrial beats.and is one of the main causes of cerebrovascular problems. This type of arrhythmia, in which the atria of the heart do not beat in sync with the ventricles, is often asymptomatic. Many people suffer from it and are not aware of it, but it is still a problem that should be discussed with a specialist.
How the Apple Watch measures atrial fibrillation
Apple Watch Series 1 and all later models feature sensors capable of using photoplethysmography signals together with an algorithm to identify periods of irregular pulse indicative of atrial fibrillation. But, in addition to this identification algorithm based on photoplethysmography, the Apple Watch Series 4 and later models have an electrical heart rate sensor that, when using the ECG app, allows the generation and analysis of an electrocardiogram similar to a lead I ECG. Being much more similar to identify these types of heart problems.
How to see if you have atrial fibrillation with the Apple Watch
To be able to check if you have atrial fibrillation with the Apple Watch you must have with a model that is compatible with the electrocardiogram functionIf you don’t have a compatible model, you’ll need to wait for Apple Watch to alert you if it finds signs of atrial fibrillation.
The Apple Watch models compatible with the electrocardiogram are all models after the Apple Watch Series 4 except for the Apple Watch SE, which does not have this feature. With a compatible model, you simply need to have an electrocardiogram done by following these steps:
- On Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to access apps.
- Look for the ECG app, it looks like a heartbeat on a white background.
- Place the index finger of the hand opposite to where you have the Apple Watch on the Digital Crown.
- Wait 30 seconds in a relaxed position while the test is performed.
- If you notice symptoms of atrial fibrillation, your Apple Watch will notify you.
What to do if Apple Watch detects atrial fibrillation
If the Apple Watch notifies us that there are symptoms of atrial fibrillationThe device allows us to monitor this heart problem and thus check whether there is an improvement or if it worsens.
To view the history, you must have a medical diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and Wear Apple Watch for at least 12 hours a day and for 5 days of the week to receive consistent estimates. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap Explore > Heart.
- Tap Atrial Fibrillation History.
- Tap Setup, then Get Started.
- Please specify your date of birth.
- Select Yes to indicate that you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation by a specialist and tap Continue.
- Tap Continue to learn more about your AFib history, the results you’ll see, and vital factors.
- Finally, tap OK.
After you collect enough readings, you’ll receive weekly alerts on Apple Watch each Monday with the percentage of time your heart has shown signs of atrial fibrillation over the previous week. You’ll also be able to review data collected since the Health app > Explore > Heart > Atrial Fibrillation History.
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