After reading this complete guide, you will be able to use ECG on your Apple Watch in a perfect way. Let’s check out the detailed guide.
How to Use ECG on Apple Watch Series
Set Up ECG on Apple Watch (Series 4 or 5)Use ECG On Apple Watch (Series 4 or 5)How to View ECG Result on iPhoneSet Up Irregular Heart Rate Notifications on Apple Watch (Series 4 or 5)How to Share ECG Results with Doctor from iPhoneHow useful is ECG on Apple Watch?
Setup ECG on Apple Watch (Series 4 or 5)
Step #1. Open the Health app on Apple Watch paired iPhone. Step #2. By default, you are on the Summary screen; tap on Electrocardiograms (ECG), which is under Cycle Tracking. Step #3. Now tap on Set Up ECG App. Step #4. Next, enter your Date of Birth, and tap on Continue. Step #5. Apple gives you essential information on how does the ECG app work. Tap on Continue. The ECG app will show you Sinus Rhythm, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), and Inconclusive results. Step #6. Tap on Continue. Step #7. The next screen shows you what the ECG app cannot do. For example, ECG app cannot detect a heart attack; blood clots or a stroke; and other heart-related conditions. Tap on Continue. Step #8. Finally, you are on Setup Complete screen appears; tap on Done button. You are now on the Sinus Rhythm screen, which means there is no sign of atrial fibrillation. Hurray!!!
How to Take ECG on Apple Watch (Series 4 or 5)
Since you have set up ECG, now it’s time to take ECG. Before you take your ECG, two points to ponder.
Recording on ECG takes typically 30 secondsMake sure your Apple Watch is snugly fit on the wrist you have selected in Settings
Step #1. Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch. Step #2. This will show you a cluster of apps in honeycomb or grid view (in case you have arranged the apps in the list view, your watch will show the apps accordingly). Step #3. Tap on the ECG app on your Apple Watch. Step #4. Now rest your arms on a table or in your lap → Next, hold your finger on the Digital Crown of the watch for 30 seconds. The watch will start taking your ECG as you can see that serrated line with regular spikes.
Don’t take your finger off the digital crownThe watch measures your heart rhythm; you are not supposed to hold your breathOn your watch screen, you can see a graph showing your heartbeatAfter 30 seconds, your Apple Watch will show you the ECG
The ECG app gives you Sinus Rhythm, atrial fibrillation, or inconclusive. Please note that you can check your ECG in the Health app on your iPhone paired with your Apple Watch.
How to View ECG Result on iPhone
Step #1. Open Health App on the paired iPhone → Tap on Health Data from the bottom. Step #2. Tap on Electrocardiogram (ECG.) Step #3. Tap on the particular ECG result.
How to Set Up Irregular Heart Rate Notifications on Apple Watch
Apple Watch can also sense irregular heart rates, and it can notify you when your heart beats irregularly. You need to set up irregular heart rate notifications on your watch. Step #1. Open the Watch app from your iPhone. Step #2. Tap on My Watch Swipe down and tap on Heart. Step #3. On this Heart app, tap on Set Up Irregular Rhythm Notifications under Set Up Notifications. Step #4. Next, tap on Set up Notification. Step #5. On Get Started screen, you are required to enter your Date of Birth. Once you enter the date of birth, Apple asks you: Have you ever been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation by a doctor? Tap on any one radio button: Yes or No. And then tap on Continue. Step #6. You are now on How It Works screen; tap on Continue. Step #7. Apple gives you more information on how Irregular Rhythm Notifications work. There are four things you should know about. Keep tapping on Next button at the bottom until you reach the Continue button. Step #8. When you tap on Continue button, you are finally on the screen of Receiving a Notification; tap on Turn on Notifications button from the bottom of the screen. You have successfully enabled Irregular Rhythm Notifications. Once you set up the irregular heart rate notifications, you can go back and check HEART RATE NOTIFICATIONS toggle on Heart Health screen. There is a switch next to Irregular Rhythm; you can turn it ON and OFF to enable HEART RATE NOTIFICATIONS.
How to Export ECG Results to PDF and Share it with Doctor
So you have taken your ECG on your Apple Watch. Having seen some irregularity in your heartbeat, you may wish to see your doctor first. But before you rush to the hospital, you can share your ECG results with your doctor. Step #1. After taking an ECG on your Apple Watch, go to the Health app on your iPhone. Step #2. Tap on Health Data from the bottom menu. Step #3. Next, tap on Electrocardiogram (ECG.) Step #4. Now tap on ECG result you wish to send to your doctor. Step #5. The screen will show you ECG Detail; on this screen, you will see the option “Export a PDF for Your Doctor.” Tap on it. Step #6. Tap on the Share button from the top right corner of your phone screen. Step #7. Two rows of options will swipe up from the bottom; you can select any one option to send the PDF. You can choose Message or Email to export the PDF to the doctor. Your doctor will receive the ECG in PDF format.
How useful is ECG on Apple Watch?
ECG feature is not for fun. You should use it judiciously when you need it. You can use ECG on your Apple Watch when you are feeling symptoms like a rapid or skipped heartbeat; when you have some concerns about your health; when you get irregular heart rhythm notifications. That’s all, friends! Summing up… Apple’s run to chase the health and fitness industry is commendable. By adding new features and technology, the tech giant is making users’ life healthier and more comfortable. ECG on Apple Watch is a welcome feature; fitness lovers would surely use this feature on their latest watches. You may like to explore:
How to Turn On Fall Detection on Apple WatchTurn off Digital Crown Haptic Feedback on Apple WatchUse Cardio Fitness on iPhone and Apple Watch (Fitness guide)List of countries that support ECG and irregular rhythm notification on Apple Watch
What feature would you like to see in the next Apple Watch? Do you think medical practitioners would accept the ECG results taken on Apple Watch Series 4 or 5? Do share your feedback with us in the comment below.
