If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar and Photos. Apple Watch Series 6. 44mm or 40mm case size. Always-On Retina display. GPS + Cellular 1 2 8 7 4 6. Blood Oxygen app 3 2 1 6 10 5. ECG app 3 4 2 7 11 6. High and low heart rate notifications.
An electrocardiogram (also called an ECG or EKG) is a test that records the timing and strength of the electrical signals that make the heart beat. By looking at an ECG, a doctor can gain insights about your heart rhythm and look for irregularities.
The ECG app can record your heartbeat and rhythm using the electrical heart sensor on Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or Series 6* and then check the recording for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a form of irregular rhythm.
The ECG app records an electrocardiogram which represents the electrical pulses that make your heart beat. The ECG app checks these pulses to get your heart rate and see if the upper and lower chambers of your heart are in rhythm. If they’re out of rhythm, that could be AFib.
The ECG app is currently available only in certain countries and regions. Learn where the ECG app is available.
*The ECG app is not supported on Apple Watch SE.
The ECG app is installed during the ECG app setup in the Health app. Follow these steps to set up the ECG app:
If you still don’t see the app on your Apple Watch, open the Watch App on your iPhone and tap Heart. In the ECG section, tap Install to install the ECG app.
The ECG app isn't available in every country or region. Learn where the ECG app is available.
You can take an ECG at any time, when you’re feeling symptoms such as a rapid or skipped heartbeat, when you have other general concerns about your heart health, or when you receive an irregular rhythm notification.
After a successful reading, you will receive one of the following type of results on your ECG app. Regardless of the result, if you aren't feeling well or are experiencing any symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.
A sinus rhythm result means the heart is beating in a uniform pattern between 50 and 100 BPM. This happens when the upper and lower chambers of the heart are beating in sync. A sinus rhythm result only applies to that particular recording and doesn’t mean your heart beats with a consistent pattern all the time. It also does not mean that you're healthy. If you're not feeling well or are feeling any symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.
An AFib result means the heart is beating in an irregular pattern. The ECG app ver. 1 can check for AFib between 50 and 120 BPM. The ECG app ver. 2 can check for AFib between 50 and 150 BPM.* AFib is the most common form of serious arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm. If you receive an AFib classification and you have not been diagnosed with AFib, you should talk to your doctor.
*Learn more about ECG app version availability and find out which version you're using.
A heart rate under 50 BPM or over 120 BPM in ECG version 1 affects the ECG app’s ability to check for AFib. In ECG version 2, a heart rate under 50 BPM or over 150 BPM can affect the ECG's app ability to check for AFib.
An inconclusive result means the recording can’t be classified. It could be due to one of the following situations:
For ECG version 1, you might also get an inconclusive result if you are not resting your arms on a table during a recording, or wearing your Apple Watch too loose. Learn how to get the best results.
This classification is unique to ECG version 2. Poor Recording means the result can't be classified. If you get a Poor Recording result, there are a few things you can try in order to get a better recording.
If you need help, contact Apple Support.
The ECG waveform, its associated classifications, and any noted symptoms will be saved in the Health app on your iPhone. You can also share a PDF with your doctor.
A small percentage of people may have certain physiological conditions preventing the creation of enough signal to produce a good recording — for example, the positioning of the heart in the chest can change the electrical signal levels, which could impact the ECG app’s ability to obtain a measurement.
Liquid-free contact is required for the ECG app to work properly. Use of the ECG app may be impacted if the Apple Watch and/or skin aren't entirely dry. Make sure that your wrist and hands are thoroughly dry before attempting a reading. To ensure the best reading after swimming, showering, heavy perspiration, or washing your hands, clean and dry your Apple Watch. It may take up to one hour for your Apple Watch to completely dry.
The ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or Series 6 generates an ECG that is similar to a single-lead (or Lead I) ECG. In a doctor’s office, a standard 12-lead ECG is usually taken. This 12-lead ECG records electrical signals from different angles in the heart to produce twelve different waveforms. The ECG app on Apple Watch measures a waveform similar to one of those twelve waveforms. A single-lead ECG is able to provide information about heart rate and heart rhythm and enables classification of AFib. However, a single-lead ECG cannot be used to identify some other conditions, like heart attacks. Single-lead ECGs are often prescribed by doctors for people to wear at home or within the hospital so that the doctor can get a better look at the underlying rate and rhythm of the heart. However, the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, or Series 6 allows you to generate an ECG similar to a single-lead ECG without a prescription from your doctor.
In studies comparing the ECG app on Apple Watch to a standard 12-lead ECG taken at the same time, there was agreement between the ECG app classification of the rhythm as sinus or AFib compared to the standard 12-lead ECG.
The ability of the ECG app to accurately classify an ECG recording into AFib and sinus rhythm was tested in a clinical trial of approximately 600 subjects, and demonstrated 99.6% specificity with respect to sinus rhythm classification and 98.3% sensitivity for AFib classification for the classifiable results.
The clinical validation results reflect use in a controlled environment. Real world use of the ECG app may result in a greater number of strips being deemed inconclusive and not classifiable.
Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system? Is it using the version required by a product you want to use with your Mac? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent)? To find out, learn which version is installed now.
If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, such as macOS Big Sur, followed by its version number. If you need to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.
These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Big Sur. As updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article will be updated to show the latest version of that macOS.
If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar and Photos.
macOS | Latest version |
---|---|
macOS Big Sur | 11.2.3 |
macOS Catalina | 10.15.7 |
macOS Mojave | 10.14.6 |
macOS High Sierra | 10.13.6 |
macOS Sierra | 10.12.6 |
OS X El Capitan | 10.11.6 |
OS X Yosemite | 10.10.5 |
OS X Mavericks | 10.9.5 |
OS X Mountain Lion | 10.8.5 |
OS X Lion | 10.7.5 |
Mac OS X Snow Leopard | 10.6.8 |
Mac OS X Leopard | 10.5.8 |
Mac OS X Tiger | 10.4.11 |
Mac OS X Panther | 10.3.9 |
Mac OS X Jaguar | 10.2.8 |
Mac OS X Puma | 10.1.5 |
Mac OS X Cheetah | 10.0.4 |