How to Monitor Heart Health & Detect Irregularities With Apple Watch

Did you know that your Apple Watch can detect signs of cardiac arrhythmia? Let's explore some incredible features of the Apple Watch that can help you stay on top of your heart health. These built-in tools can alert you to potential issues, allowing you to take action and consult your doctor if needed.

How to Enable Heart Health Notifications

Your Apple Watch can notify you if your heart rate is too high, too low, or if you have an irregular rhythm. Here’s how to enable these alerts:

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Select Heart from the menu.
  3. Set the heart rate thresholds for high and low heart rate notifications.

With these settings enabled, your watch will periodically check your heart rate and notify you of any abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Monitoring for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, which can increase the risk of stroke and other complications. Your Apple Watch can help detect signs of AFib by monitoring your heart rhythm. To turn on irregular rhythm notifications:

  1. Go to the Heart section in the Apple Watch app.
  2. Toggle the Irregular Rhythm Notifications button to enable alerts.

If your watch detects potential AFib, it will notify you so you can discuss it with your healthcare provider. If you have a history of AFib, you can also track your episodes using the Health app on your iPhone. This provides long-term visibility into how often your heart shows signs of atrial fibrillation, which can be useful for medical consultations.

How to Take an ECG on Your Apple Watch

One of the most impressive heart health features of the Apple Watch is its ability to take an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test measures the electrical activity of your heart and can help detect irregular heart rhythms. To use the ECG app:

  1. Open the Health app on your iPhone and set up the ECG app.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  3. Open the ECG app on your watch.
  4. Follow the instructions and place your finger on the Digital Crown of your Apple Watch for 30 seconds.
  5. The watch will generate an ECG reading, which you can save as a PDF and share with your doctor.

Important Reminder

While the Apple Watch is an excellent tool for monitoring your heart, it cannot detect a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.

Keeping Your Apple Watch Secure and Accessible

Dr. Betsy Grunch wearing her Ladyspinedoc Adjustable Bicep Smartwatch Band

For those who prefer to keep their watch out of the way—whether for hygiene reasons (nurses, doctors, etc.) or convenience—an adjustable bicep smartwatch band can be a great solution. Wearing your watch on your upper forearm or bicep still functions like it would on your wrist without compromising on heart-monitoring and other smartwatch capabilities. In fact, wearing your Apple Watch on your bicep can offer a more stable and potentially more accurate heart rate reading compared to wrist placement, especially during intense workouts. 

Final Thoughts

The Apple Watch offers convenient heart-monitoring functionalities that help you take charge of your health. By enabling these features, you can gain valuable insights into your heart health and work with your doctor to address any concerns.

Remember: Heart health is brain health. Stay proactive and keep both in check!

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