Take an ECG with the ECG app on Apple Watch
What is an ECG
How to use the ECG app
Here's what you need
Make sure that the ECG app is available in your country or region. Learn where the ECG app is available . Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS and Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS . The ECG app is not intended for use by people under 22 years old.
Install and set up the ECG app
Open the Health app on your iPhone. Follow the onscreen steps. If you don't see a prompt to set up, tap the Browse tab, then tap Heart > Electrocardiograms (ECG) > Set Up ECG App. After you complete set up, open the to take an ECG.
Take an ECG
Make sure that your Apple Watch is snug and on the wrist that you selected in the Apple Watch app. To check, open the Apple Watch app, tap the My Watch tab, then go to General > Watch Orientation. Open the on your Apple Watch. Rest your arms on a table or in your lap. With the hand opposite your watch, hold your finger on the Digital Crown. You don't need to press the Digital Crown during the session. Wait. The recording takes 30 seconds. At the end of the recording, you will receive a classification, then you can tap Add Symptoms and choose your symptoms. Tap Save to note any symptoms, then tap Done.
How to read results
Sinus rhythm
Atrial fibrillation
Low or high heart rate
A heart rate can be low because of certain medications or if electrical signals are not properly conducted through the heart. Training to be an elite athlete can also lead to a low heart rate. A high heart rate could be due to exercise, stress, nervousness, alcohol, dehydration, infection, AFib, or other arrhythmia.
Inconclusive
In ECG version 1, your heart rate is between 100 and 120 BPM and you are not in AFib. You have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The recording may show signs of other arrhythmias or heart conditions that the app is not designed to recognize. Certain physiological conditions may prevent a small percentage of users from creating enough signal to produce a good recording.
Poor Recording
Rest your arms on a table or in your lap while you take a recording. Try to relax and not move too much. Make sure that your Apple Watch isn't loose on your wrist. The band should be snug and the back of your Apple Watch needs to be touching your wrist. Make sure that your wrist and your Apple Watch are clean and dry. Water and sweat can cause a poor recording. Make sure that your Apple Watch is on the wrist you selected in Settings. Move away from any electronics that are plugged into an outlet to avoid electrical interference.
View and share your Health information
Open the Health app on your iPhone or iPad. If you're on your iPhone, tap Browse. If you're on your iPad, tap to open the . Tap Heart, then tap Electrocardiograms (ECG). Tap the chart for your ECG result. Tap Export a PDF for Your Doctor. Tap the to print or share the PDF.
How to get the best results
Rest your arms on a table or in your lap while you take a recording. Try to relax and not move too much. Make sure that your Apple Watch isn’t loose on your wrist. The band should be snug , and the back of your Apple Watch needs to be touching your wrist. Make sure that your wrist and your Apple Watch are clean and dry . Make sure that your Apple Watch is on the wrist that you selected in the Apple Watch app. To check, open the Apple Watch app, tap the My Watch tab, then go to General > Watch Orientation. Move away from any electronics that are plugged into an outlet to avoid electrical interference.
Things you should know
The ECG app cannot detect a heart attack. If you ever experience chest pain, pressure, tightness, or what you think is a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. The ECG app cannot detect blood clots or a stroke. The ECG app cannot detect other heart-related conditions. These include high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, or other forms of arrhythmia. If you’re not feeling well or are feeling any symptoms, talk to your doctor or seek immediate medical attention.
How the ECG app works
Learn more