Apple is bringing the ability to read an electrocardiogram (EKG) to Apple Watch Series 4 owners. It's also releasing a feature that notifies users of abnormal heart rates. Both are included in watchOS 5.1.2.
When the Apple Watch Series 4 was announced last September, the most important new hardware feature—aside from the larger display—was probably the ability to take an EKG directly on the Watch. But until now, that feature hasn't been available because the software to support it hasn't been released. Now it's here!
To take an electrocardiogram (EKG), open the EKG app on your watch and lightly rest your finger on the bezel for 30 seconds. The watch then acts like an EKG with one lead to read your heart rate and record it in the Health app on your smartphone. From there, you can create a PDF report and send it to your doctor.
Apple also takes care of irregular heart rate monitoring by checking your rhythm every two hours or so , and if there are five consecutive readings that seem abnormal, it will alert you and suggest you see a doctor. If you have been previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the company recommends that you not use the feature.
Apple is trying to make the new feature as targeted and reliable as possible since to activate it you will need to answer many questions.
It's worth noting that no matter how good the company did with this feature, you shouldn't use it on a regular basis. Specifically, the EKG should only be used if you feel something unusual, and then you should share the report you export with your doctor.
The truth is, most people think of the Apple Watch as a fitness tracking device, but increasingly, it's becoming a health tracker — especially the Series 4.
But in this new breed of gadget, understanding what a health tracker can and can't do is essential. It can detect certain things, and that's really good, but you can never rely on it alone.
