The Apple Watch ECG found something unexpected about my heart

CNET

6 Dec 201804:48

Summary

TLDRThis video discusses the use of an Apple Watch's EKG app compared to a traditional 12-lead EKG. The presenter shares personal results showing early heartbeats, explaining how the watch can alert users to potential heart conditions like atrial fibrillation. While the watch provides valuable initial insights, a comprehensive diagnosis requires a doctor's evaluation. The video highlights the growing role of wearable technology in health monitoring, emphasizing both its benefits and risks, such as false positives, while underscoring the importance of further medical consultation for accurate diagnosis.

Takeaways

😀 The Apple Watch includes a 12-lead EKG app that allows users to monitor their heart health.
😀 Users can take an EKG by placing a finger on the digital crown, which records the heart's electrical activity for 30 seconds.
😀 The EKG results display a comparison between normal and early heartbeats, providing useful insights for initial screenings.
😀 Early heartbeats are common and typically not life-threatening, though they can indicate potential long-term issues.
😀 The Apple Watch's irregular heart rhythm notification feature alerts users to potential life-threatening conditions.
😀 The optical sensor on the Apple Watch measures heart rate by detecting changes in light based on blood flow.
😀 Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that the Apple Watch can help detect, increasing awareness of stroke risk.
😀 A definitive diagnosis of heart conditions requires more information than a simple pulse recording.
😀 The single-lead EKG on the Apple Watch allows users to share results with their doctors as a PDF.
😀 As tech companies focus on health monitoring, more devices like the Apple Watch are integrating advanced heart rate features.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 12-lead EKG?
-The 12-lead EKG provides a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity, helping to diagnose specific heart conditions.
How does the EKG app on the Apple Watch work?
-Users place their finger on the digital crown to take a 30-second reading, which measures the heart's electrical activity using one electrode on the back and another on the crown.
What are 'early beats' and why are they significant?
-Early beats are irregular heartbeats that can be common and may indicate underlying heart issues. While they are often harmless, they can lead to long-term problems.
What does the Apple Watch's irregular heart rhythm notification do?
-It alerts users to potential signs of atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases the risk of stroke and other serious heart complications.
What technology does the Apple Watch use to measure heart rate?
-The Apple Watch uses an optical sensor that detects changes in light absorption related to blood flow, allowing it to monitor heart rate and rhythm.
What limitations does the Apple Watch EKG have compared to a 12-lead EKG?
-While the Apple Watch provides useful data, it cannot pinpoint the exact location of heart issues like a 12-lead EKG can.
How can users share their EKG results with doctors?
-Users can export their single-lead EKG results from the Apple Watch as a PDF to share with their healthcare providers.
What are the risks associated with the Apple Watch EKG results?
-There is a risk of false positives, meaning the watch might indicate a problem that isn't actually present.
What is the significance of detecting atrial fibrillation early?
-Early detection can lead to timely treatment, potentially preventing serious complications such as strokes.
How does the heart's rhythm differ from its rate?
-The heart rate is the number of beats per minute, while the rhythm refers to the timing and spacing of those beats.