One of the biggest upgrades that the Apple Watch 4 received compared to its predecessor is its ability to record an electrocardiogram and also detect potential issues with how your heart is functioning.
The company’s feature was also approved by the FDA, and it’s finally live for users in the U.S.
Apple’s device is able to find any irregularities in the user’s heartbeat, and this is highly important because it can point to critical conditions such as atrial fibrillation which may eventually result in a stroke.
If your Apple Watch classifies a user’s rhythm as a high rate of atrial fibrillation, it’s highly recommended that the user seeks medical help.
More than that, it’s also worth noting that the Watch only records a basic single-lead ECGsoi cannot detect a stroke, heart attack or any other severe heart conditions compared to the doctor’s 12-lead ECGs which are taken in a medical office.
Taking an ECG via an Apple Watch 4 in the U.S.
The Next Web teaches users the necessary steps for taking advantage of the Apple Watch 4’s latest feature:
- Make sure your watch is updated to watchOS 5.1.2, and paired with an iPhone 5s or later with iOS 12.1.1 on board.
- Set up the ECG app by opening Apple Health on your iPhone and following the instructions.
- Wear your Watch 4 fitted on the wrist that has been specified in the Apple Watch app.
- Launch the ECG app on your Watch.
- Rest your arms comfortably on a table, or in your lap.
- Hold your finger on the Digital Crown, but without pressing down, for 30 seconds. This is it. You will see your results and any symptoms that the device detects.
- Tap Save to record your symptoms.
In order to review the ECG, you will have to open the Health app on your iPhone and head to the Health Data tab. Tap Heart > Electrocardiogram (ECG), and tap the ECG.
You’ll find an option to export a PDF, and you will be able to share it with your doctor, according to the Next Web’s notes.
After finishing Theatrical Journalism at the Faculty of Theatre and Television in Cluj-Napoca, Rada reviewed movies, books, theatre pieces and she also wrote articles from the IT niche as a content editor for software producers. At the moment, she is working with various online advertising firms.