apple watch

[Patchwork123]

I am thinking of buying an apple watch to track my heart rate etc? Could anyone who has one advise on which one to get please I think I would like the ECG option on it.

[mjames1]

Any series 4, or later Apple Watch has the EKG feature, with the exception of the SE series. So it really comes down to what other features you want and how much you want to spend. Also be aware that the ekg feature may not be available in a few countries.

You can go all the way from a basic model up to the Ultra 2, which has the biggest screen, longest battery life and has the highest underwater rating.

At least in the United States, all the current models have an emergency satellite text feature to call for help if you're out of cellular range as well as automatic fall and automobile collision medic alerts.

Another useful feature is cellular calling. So if you leave home without your phone, the watch basically doubles as a phone.

Most of the series 6 and later have blood oxygen (SpO2)monitoring, although that might not be the case with a new watch due to a copyright issue.

If you have an Apple Store nearby, a good idea to visit, and have a look. Otherwise, their website should list all the features of each watch.

Jim

[Iamfuzzyduck in reply to mjames1]

I don't think the SE version has the EKG. And the most recent watches don't have the SpO2 monitoring because of a patent battle earlier this year.

Patchwork, my watch confirmed I was in Afib in November- I have never had it diagnosed before but I knew something was up with my heart so I ran the EKG and it confirmed it so I do think it is worth getting one. I have the most recent Series 9 with cellular as my 6 died on Christmas day :(- mine does have the oxygen feature as I bought it quickly when they were battling it out in the courts.

[mjames1 in reply to Iamfuzzyduck]

Yes, you are correct regarding the SE and SPO2 function and I will revise my post. I have the SPO2 function on my Ultra 2, but turned it off. Too much data even for me 😄

Jim

[Iamfuzzyduck in reply to mjames1]

And if the OP is a woman she may find the Ultra 2 too big on the wrist-wish they made female sized Ultra. I only wanted the oxygen monitor for when I have covid otherwise I agree it’s not a huge loss

[mjames1 in reply to Iamfuzzyduck]

And if the OP is a woman she may find the Ultra 2 too big on the wrist

On the other hand, it could double as a wearable weight training device 😄

Jim

[Patchwork123 in reply to Iamfuzzyduck]

Thank you 😊

[Patchwork123 in reply to mjames1]

Thank you 😊

[opal11uk in reply to mjames1]

well answered .....

[Buzby62]

Have a look on this link for your information and click the other links within the support page.

support.apple.com/en-us/HT2...

Hope this helps, best wishes

[Patchwork123 in reply to Buzby62]

Thank you 😊

[Patchwork123 in reply to Buzby62]

Thank you

[FlyingBrick]

I use a Withings Scanwatch in the UK, it measures Heart Rate, SP02 and an ECG. The ECG function has already been handy as I sent the results through to my doctor and she immediately reacted and my medication altered. Absolutely worth the money. The new version out now Scanwatch 2 by Withings measures Body Temperature. Good luck.

[Patchwork123 in reply to FlyingBrick]

Thank you

[Peacefulneedshelp in reply to FlyingBrick]

I have the Withings Blood pressure cuff which I like a lot.

[Jonathan_C]

As someone who has been in persistent a-fib for more than 2 years and does a lot of exercise (I spend a lot of time exercising) and has had a Polar watch with HR monitoring on it (since before I went into a-fib)... I personally do not see the value in spending a lot of cash on a HR monitor if you are in a-fib. When in a-fib your heart rate is chaotic - it beats to its own and sometimes manic rhythm.

If the Apple watch has a range of features you will find useful, then get it and see the HR monitoring as a bonus - but don't make that the deciding factor to get one. IMVHO.

[Patchwork123 in reply to Jonathan_C]

Thank you

[En85 in reply to Jonathan_C]

I agree on this, in persistent/permanent doesn't give much insight more than being in AF. But if it is paroxysmal or persistent seeking treatment to restore NSR, then I think it is fundamental. The only start of AF I could catch was in the night and the watch tracked it enabling treatment decisions when I woke up.

[Cyclejoan]

I have the latest series ultra and I’m a lady. It’s great. Also oxygen feature is good My doctor was very pleased to see my AF and heart rate monitor in the health app. Later this year Apple are adding blood pressure as a feature. I wouldn’t be without mine. Live in UK.

[Picklr]

I have a SE which first alerted me to having AF. Although it doesn’t have an EKG feature, it still will alert you if you have suspected AF which was a life saver for me. I was told by a physician friend that the EKG feature on the Apple watch is not always accurate. Have others that have the EKG feature had any issue with EKG accuracy?

[Buzby62 in reply to Picklr]

support.apple.com/en-us/HT2...

The link I included on a reply above explains the different ways the heart monitor works. Optically for background checks or electrically for ECG/EKG checks. The SE only has the optical sensors so cannot do ECGs. In my experience it is the electrical sensors that are more accurate, especially when in AF. Sometimes the extra rogue beats in AF are missed in the optical sensor.

I find the watch invaluable for identifying paroxysmal episodes and confirming NSR when they end. I would question the value of it if in persistent AF other than to monitor your average rate as the instantaneous HR reading will be jumping about with every beat so not relevant.

In my opinion the watch is great but you have to understand its anomalies or it can create unnecessary anxiety and have a negative effect on your AF burden.

Hope my opinion is helpful.

[Patchwork123 in reply to Buzby62]

Thank you for your valued information.

[Picklr in reply to Buzby62]

Thanks Buzby62

[Patchwork123 in reply to Picklr]

Thank you

[macymoo007]

I have the series 7 Apple Watch. It’s invaluable to me. Tracks my afib episodes and also my blood oxygen. It’s accurate too

[Patchwork123 in reply to macymoo007]

Thank you

[Ppiman]

Do you have an Apple iPhone, as that is required along with the Apple Watch? I use mine regularly, and bought my first second hand to save costs, but bought a new one a year or so ago. Any from a Watch Series 4 will do what you need as well as the latest.

If you use the Watch to look out for AF occurrences over 24 hours, what it does is to take regular looks at the heart rate rather than actually checking for AF. This provides only an indication of regularity of the heartbeat rather than of definite AF. To be sure an event is AF, an ECG is needed using the installed app, which requires you to touch the crown of the watch for 30 seconds. Using the heart rhythm detection is hard on the battery, I find so you'll be charging it more frequently. I don't usually run this app, just using the ECG whenever I feel things are awry.

If you do buy a used Watch, do check that the battery is still allowing normal usage as they cannot really be replaced and you don't want to be forced to charge it during the day if it can be helped. The Apple Store sometimes offers reconditioned Watches and, from there, you get a new battery and a full warranty.

Steve

[Patchwork123 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you Steve.

[Lizziedoodle89]

I've got a fitbit Inspire 3 it does heart rate and oxygen levels and high or low or irregular heart rate alerts as I'm still waiting for a 24 HR heart monitor device through the GP and I decided to get this so I could monitor it myself, there might be better ones ,but it wasn't hugely expensive either

[Patchwork123 in reply to Lizziedoodle89]

Thank you.

[mikeharrymac]

Verizon talked me into pricy option when I asked about how one could help. Walking around ICU floor, desk started yelling at me to go sit down. Apple Watch wasn’t even close to their readings