The Apple Watch heart rate feature you probably didn’t realize existed

The Apple Watch has such an extensive collection of features that it’s easy for some to get lost in the shuffle, including one that can help you monitor your heart health more closely: a dedicated ECG app. Short for electrocardiogram, this feature allows for a more in-depth analysis of your ticker than the basic BPM monitor included in the device. Most modern Apple Watches have this feature, and it’s never a bad idea to take a few measurements every now and then.

How often your Apple Watch records your heart rate varies depending on your activity. During a workout this happens constantly, but otherwise the only official detail Apple provides is that the time between these measurements will “vary” depending on your activity unless you check it manually through the Heart Rate app. These measurements alone can only tell you when your heart rate is too fast or too slow; An ECG, on the other hand, measures the electrical signals from your heart, tracing each step of each beat as it travels through the organ and painting a much more detailed picture.

Although an ECG gives a deeper insight into the condition of your heart, it is important to note that this feature is not designed to detect symptoms of a heart attack and should not be used in place of medical care if you suspect something is wrong.

The ECG app is available on all Apple Watches Series 4 or later (excluding SE models) and all Ultra models. To use the ECG app, you need to make sure you are updated to the most recent version of watchOS and iOS. Although most countries allow the use of the ECG function, a few do not, including Eastern Europe, Africa, Central and South America, and the Middle East. If you’re not sure if the feature is available in your country, you can check Apple’s official listing.

How to get the Apple ECG app

1. Open the Health app on your phone

2. To easily find the ECG section, you can use the Research function and search for “ECG”

3. Select Configure the ECG app

4. Follow the setup instructions to download the app

How to do an ECG

1. Make sure your Apple Watch is well fitted on your wrist

2. Open it ECG app on your Apple Watch

3. Rest your arms in a relaxed position that you can hold

4. Hold your finger on the Apple Watch Digital Crownbut don’t press

5. To wait for 30 seconds to receive your reading

Some results vary slightly depending on whether you have the first or second version of the ECG app; The version you have will depend on regional regulations. You can check which app you have from the Apple Health app or from your Apple Watch by following these steps:

From your Apple Watch

1. Open it Settings application

2. Select Heart

3. Select ECGand the version will be displayed

From the Apple Health app

1. Open it Health application

2. Select Research

3. Select Heart

4. Select ECG

5. Scroll down and select Aboutand the version will be displayed

Regardless of which version you have, after taking an ECG you will receive one of several results that can provide insight into your health – that’s what they mean.

Sinus rhythm: Although it seems like it has to do with your nose, sinus rhythm is linked to your sinoatrial node, which is the body’s natural pacemaker, generating electrical impulses that determine the rate and frequency of your heartbeat. Getting this result means your heart is beating evenly between 50 and 100 beats per minute. However, it is important to note that this result does not necessarily mean that your heart works this way all the time, but only when it was measured. If you are concerned, you should still consult a doctor.

Atrial fibrillation: This result means that the heart is beating irregularly. Commonly abbreviated to AFib, this is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. If you receive this result and have not already been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you should consult your doctor.

Low or high heart rate: This means that an excessively low or high heart rate has affected the app’s ability to check for atrial fibrillation. With version 1 of the app, this happens if your heart rate was below 50 BPM or above 120; for version 2, the threshold is below 50 BPM or above 150. Try testing again at another time and take into account any outside factors, as things like medications, stress, dehydration and more can affect your heart rate. If you get this result repeatedly and you don’t know why, it’s best to talk to a doctor.

Inconclusive: This result occurs when the record cannot be classified, which can have several different causes. This can happen if you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, if the app has detected other conditions it’s not designed to recognize, or because of what Apple describes only as “certain physiological conditions” that prevent it from producing recordable signals. With version 1 of the app, this result may also appear if your heart rate is between 100 and 120 BPM but not in AFib, if your watch is too loose, or if you move too much during the test.

Bad recording: This result is specific to version 2 and largely concerns physical factors affecting the test. Your wrist or the watch may be too wet, the Apple Watch is too loose on your wrist, or you moved too much during the test. Try to remedy these factors and test again.