Has anyone had any experience of using their smart watch's ECG function?

[Potok]

I am thinking of buying a watch with an ECG function. Does anyone have any recommendations or experience? I have always had occasional irregular heart rhythms. Two years ago I had a heart attack and since then have bouts of unexplained angina and I wondered whether the angina and heart rhythm problems are linked, so thought I might get a watch to monitor and possibly alert me.

[Hidden]

Ive had my Apple Watch a couple weeks and have run the ecg just playing around. It reports sinus rhythm. I havent had a fib yet.

[AmbieBambie]

Oh maybe I will get one! I just ordered a portable EKG monitor that connects to an app on phone. A watch seems more convenient to always have on like the portable ekg monitors docs provide

[Hidden]

Not to be negative, but Apple do state the ecg function should not be used by people with a known history of cardiac issues, particularly AF or any other arrhythmias. It’s also only the equivalent of a one lead ecg, so what it measures is extremely limited. Taking that into account and that most (if not all) watches have been proven to be unable to consistently track hr, I don’t know that it would be worth spending hundreds of pounds on just for the ecg element that may not be particularly accurate and that Apple say we shouldn’t be using anyway...

[Mike424u]

I use my samsung watch, linked to phone. Not sure on how acurite it is. I think you might be better of with a fit bit. You can pick them up from about £25 rather than £ 300 for a smart watch.

[Dickydon]

I had one of those, a total waste of money and returned the Fitbit for refund. Thing was so inaccurate compared to my blood pressure meter and if my wrist got a bit sweaty it often wouldn’t work and I don’t wear watches anyway so I found it annoying. Each to their own choices and decision making remember!

[alheart]

Have invested two years ago in a KARDIA App and "contact Strip"

Always thought it was for peace of mind having only one AF event since my AVR and pre-emptive double by-pass in late 2015!

However, that all changed last week whilst traveling suffering from AF over 40 odd hours.

The pdf reports were great to send to both my Cardiac team 170 miles away and the local hospital

Result one sync heart and allowed to get home

Watch couldn't provide such report and accuracy in my experience

My advice, if not prone to AF then watch is fine If prone go for a Kardia type app

[Hidden in reply to alheart]

I too have found a Kardia invaluable as you can email the results to the cardiologist (and get immediate advice if you are lucky!)

[37Polly]

I used the Kardia strip w my iphone as well as the Kardia watch band to monitor my afib and watch my bradycardia over a year. Both were helpful though my frequent PACs (extra heartbeats) often confused the Kardia , and my bradycardia sometimes would not allow a reading (it prefers normal range). I purchased the new apple 4 watch with the ECG that is included in December. It is superior and very accurate. Also attractive and serves many functions including spoken texting with my kids and grandkids, as well as time, weather, news, etc. Extras I never knew Id love.

I have had two relatively short arrhythmia episodes, and forwarded the tape reading to my EP after phone discussions. He identified one as aflutter, as I suspected, and one afib. No trip to office!

It also identifies when my heart rate falls below 50 (a number I chose) for ten minutes or more. I am more than satisfied this is a very accurate piece of equipment. It also will speak to me if I fall, and if I do not respond, will notify 911 and my emergency numbers, in my case husband and EP. All this for no additional cost ( I was paying $10. Per month to Kardia ).

Go read the literature on this device. Then make up your mind. I am very happy and more relaxed with it. Great investment. The statement that it should not be used for patient WITH afib is an insurance disclaimer. My EP loves it. Polly

[Hidden in reply to 37Polly]

Ive had my watch for almost a month now. No a fib for over a yr, not on any daily antiarrhythmic meds. The watch gives me peace of mind that I am truely not having a fib, as my cardiologist isnt a fans of pip meds, this helps support my argument.