What heart conditions can the Apple Watch ECG app detect?

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The Apple Watch ECG app can detect atrial fibrillation, sinus rhythm, and high heart rate.

The ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 and above is designed to identify specific cardiac conditions by analysing heart rhythms. It is capable of detecting the presence of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Additionally, the app can classify a sinus rhythm, indicating a regular heartbeat. It also flags instances of a high heart rate, specifically when it falls between 100 to 150 beats per minute without detected AF.
Detection of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

A primary function of the ECG app is its ability to detect signs of atrial fibrillation. This condition affects the heart's upper chambers, leading to an irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat. The app analyses the recorded waveform to determine if AFib is present.
Identification of Sinus Rhythm

Beyond identifying potential irregularities, the ECG app also serves to confirm a normal heart rhythm. It can classify a user's heart rhythm as a sinus rhythm, which is the standard, regular heartbeat originating from the heart's natural pacemaker. This classification is based on the characteristic pattern of a healthy electrical signal in the heart.
Classification of High Heart Rate Events

The app is also programmed to identify and classify periods of elevated heart rate. Specifically, it flags instances where the heart rate is between 100 and 150 beats per minute, provided that no signs of atrial fibrillation are detected during that measurement. This feature helps users monitor their heart rate within a specific, elevated range.

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What heart conditions can the Apple Watch ECG app detect?

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