14 Best ECG Smartwatches in 2024: FDA Approved!

A smartwatch with ECG app helps you a lot in tracking signs of AFib. With an ECG smartwatch, you can generate a PDF report and share it with your doctor for a better consultant.

Similarly, these ECG smartwatches will also send you alters if they detect irregular heart rate patterns, so you can take immediate initiatives.

Apart from taking ECG on a smartwatch, you can track your blood pressure, sleep habits, stress, calories and much more.

In the market, there are a lot of smartwatches available, but only a few of them are capable of taking ECG.

Based on our research, we have reviewed some of the best ECG smartwatches according to your budget. So you can choose the best option for your wrist.

We updated this article on November 3, 2022. And added some new smartwatches with ECG features, including Apple Watch Series 8, Galaxy Watch 5, and Fitbit Sense 2. So you will keep updated gadgets.

Why Choose FDA Approved ECG Smartwatch:

Note: You should only choose smartwatches approved by the Food and Drug Administration. 

The FDA evaluates health risks and determines the benefits of medical devices. A medical device must pass FDA standards to get formal approval. Likewise, different smartwatches brands like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit have to submit the results of their clinical tests to get support. 

Getting approval from FDA is not an easy job; depending upon the medical product quality and risks FDA puts them in different categories. Here you can check the difference between FDA-approved and clear and registered medical devices.

Similarly, manufacturers must submit the 510(k) form for some medical devices to demonstrate that the device is safe and works effectively. It’s a long process that takes 3 months, and after that, a device is regarded as a medical device.

14 Best FDA Approved ECG Smartwatches

Our Top Picks…

If you are planning to get the best smartwatch with ECG, then these are the ones you should look to:

1- Apple Watch Series 8

One of the best and most accurate smartwatch for ECG is the new Apple Watch Series 8. It has an advanced ECG app that is more efficient than its predecessors. 

To get the ECG results, you have to put your finger on the Crown for 30 seconds, and it will generate an ECG report. The Apple Watch 8 immediately syncs health data with the iPhone, and you can generate a pdf report that you can share with your doctor. 

Apart from the ECG app, Apple Watch 8 also includes a new temperature sensor that helps you to measure your body temperature at night.  

This sensor is also helpful for women in tracking their cycle and ovulation. On the Apple app, you can view detailed data on menstrual cycles. Plus, this watch also gives some period predictions and sends you alerts in case of irregular or prolonged periods.

Similarly, Apple has also improved the sleep-tracking app on Watch 8. The app now gives you better insights into your sleep, including REM, Core, Deep sleep, bedtime etc. Using all these insights, anyone can easily improve their sleep habits. 

Another big feature of the Apple Watch 8 is the Medication app, it will keep track of your med, vitamins and other supplements. So you can take your medicine at the perfect time. 

Under the hood, the satay tracking feature seems more powerful; the Apple watch 8 includes car crash detection. So in case of any car accident, that watch automatically calls the local emergency hospital and sends your live location. 

For athletes and sports lovers, Apple has introduced some new sports modes. So you can track every sport that you want. 

In terms of battery life, there is not a big improvement. Apple Watch 8 gives 18 hours of battery backup. But the new thing is Low Power Mode; in this mode, the battery lasts 36 hours. 

2- Galaxy Watch 5

If you’re an Android user, Galaxy Watch 5 is the best ECG smartwatch for you. It’s the host of advanced sensors that measure your health. Galaxy Watch 5 is FDA approved ECG smartwatch that takes ECG readings in 30 seconds. 

For accurate EGG readings, the watch has a curved sensor design on the back that gets closer to your skin. Similarly, the new 3-in-1 BioActive sensor will measure all your core health metrics, including; SpO2, body composition, sleep tracking and more. 

The optical heart rate sensor also gets some upgrades. It measures your heart rate real-time and monitors HR during workouts and exercises. 

The new Galaxy Watch 5 has an advanced sleep-tracking app with a sleeping coach. It will detect your sleep habits for a week and then give you suggestions on how to improve your sleep habits. So it’s a better option for people struggling to improve their sleep quality. 

Galaxy Watch 5 added around 90+ sports modes for sports enthusiasts, automatically detecting a few famous sports like running, swimming, cycling, walking etc. 

Settings fitness goals with Galaxy Watch 5 is so cool, and you can set different goals based on your preferences and achievements. It will give you some awesome rewards. 

This galaxy watch looks similar to the previous mode in terms of design and display. It has a 1.19” AMOLED display, and the larger model of Watch 5 has a 1.39” AMOLED display. The screen is protected with Sapphire glass that protects the watch from wear and tear and scratches. 

Similarly, this watch has improved battery life. It comes with a 410mAh battery lasting 50 hours on a single charge. It also supports fast charging; in just 30 minutes, it increases the battery to 45%, which is enough for whole-day use.

3- Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit Sense 2 is another new smartwatch on the list. It’s equipped with all the health features you need to improve. Sense 2 is a smartwatch with ECG; it looks for atrial fibrillation signs and sends you irregular heart rhythm notifications. You can also generate a Pdf report in the Fitbit app and share it with your doctor. 

Moreover, Fitbit Sense comes with SpO2 tracking, the core health feature. The new thing in Fitbit Sense 2 is Heart rate variability, which measures the time variation between each heartbeat (HRV). 

Stress Management on the Fitbit Sense 2 is more advanced; it measures your stress and shows your mood based on the results. Fitbit Sense 2 also measures your resting heart rate, which indicates your heart health and fitness. 

For active people, it includes Active Zone Minutes that measure your time spent in any heart-pumping activity. You can also set different fitness and health goals on it. 

Apart from fitness and health tracking features, Fitbit Sense 2 also includes a Google wallet for easy contactless payment. Plus, a default Fitbit wallet is also there. 

For easy navigation and maps, there is Google Maps, which helps you a lot during outdoor adventures. You can also use Google Maps to find the best routes during running or cycling. 

When it comes to battery life, the Fitbit Sense 2 lasts for 6+ days. On GPS mode, it lasts for 5 hours.

4- Apple Watch 7

Specifications

OS	Watch OS
Compatibility	Only iOS
Display	LTPO OLED, Touchscreen, Digital Crown
Internal Storage	32 GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	18 hours
GPS	Yes

The Apple Watch 7 is the next smartwatch on our list that can take ECG readings. Various health tracking features help you look deeper into your health routine.

In Apple Watch 7 there are built-in Electrodes in the Digital crown that takes the ECG readings. When you touch your finger with Digital Crown, it reads your heart’s electrical signals. To generate a complete waveform, you have to touch the digital crown for 15 seconds. 

How you can get the best ECG results on Apple Watch 7:

•  Reset your arm on any table and try to relax your whole body.
•  Make sure the band should be tight enough to take signals.
•  Make sure your Apple watch and wrist are dry. 
• Don’t keep any electronics around you during ECG. 

Apple Watch 7 gives more precise and fast ECG readings than Apple Watch 6. Here you will get ECG readings in just 15 seconds. 

Apart from ECG or EKG, Apple Watch 7 is loaded with many health-tracking features. The more helpful feature spotted here is blood oxygen saturation monitoring that tells about the overall wellness of your health. 

Similarly, the watch also includes stress management, a valuable feature for every person. You will also get breathing exercises that help you to reduce your stress. Plus, some audio and video-guided meditation allow you to stay focused and active.

Like predecessors, you will get sleep tracking, calories tracking, and downs of workouts to monitor your outdoor activities effectively.

The battery life is disappointing and similar to the Apple Watch 6. You can use your watch for 18 – 22 hours, and then you have to put it on charge. But luckily, Apple added magnetic fast charging support that boosted the charging speed.

[/i2pros][i2cons]Battery life could be longer
Only two new watches faces[/i2cons][/i2pc]

5- Apple Watch Series 6

Specifications

OS	Watch OS
Compatibility	iOS 12.0+
Display	1.78 inch, LTPO OLED, Touchscreen, Digital Crown
Internal Storage	32 GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	18 hours
GPS	Yes

Apple Watch Series 6 is one of the best ECG smartwatch because it is FDA approved and counts the blood oxygen level. It can track irregular heart rate and atrial fibrillation. 

Taking ECG on Watches 6 is pretty easy. All you have to do is look for a quiet and calm place. Open the ECG app and touch the Apple watch crown for 30 seconds. While taking readings, you should keep your wrist stable and straight. 

After monitoring your ECG, the watch will tell you about Atrial fibrillation or Sinus Rhythm. The readings are accurate most of the time to rely on them. 

You can also generate an ECG report from your iPhone app and share it with your doctor to get professional advice. Apple Health smartwatch app will provide you with an EKG graph of heart rate. You can also see the previous trends and data, which is helpful. 

The watch has a SpO2 feature and an advanced that can accurately monitor blood oxygen levels. Apple Watch Series 6 also provides notifications for irregular heart rhythms.

Not only the blood oxygen feature and ECG, but it also serves as the complete package for fitness and health needs. It has a sleep monitor, fitness tracker, elevation tracker, voice assistant, and heart rate monitor.

Stress is one of the significant problems for heart patients, so Stress management in Watch 6 helps track your hypertension. The watch also offers various breathing exercises that keep you calm and focused. 

Talking about its physical aspects, the Watch 6 feels more comfortable. The 1.78” OLED display looks more crisp and vibrant, and you can see the dial under direct sunlight.

6- Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch

Specifications

OS	Fitbit OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.58 inches, AMOLED, touchscreen
Internal Storage	4GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	6days+
GPS	Yes

The Fitbit Sense is a well-known smartwatch that mainly focuses on health features. It also includes an ECG app that gives accurate results.

For taking the electrocardiogram reading, wear your watch and place your finger on an aluminum case.

Fitbit Sense will monitor unusual low and high heart rates. It gives notifications for irregular heart rhythms, and you can share these results with your doctor through the Fitbit ECG app. PPG sensors scan these abnormal rhythms.

Like other Apple Watch Series 6, Fitbit Sense also takes 30 seconds to measure ECG. After 30 seconds, it generates a report so you can check the signs of Atrial Fibrillation. 

However, the ECG app for Fitbit Sense operates only in selected countries. It does not work in UK, USA, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, and Canada.

Under the hood, the Fitbit Sense offers many other health-tracking features. It has an EDA scan that can detect electrodermal activity. This will indicate the response of the body to stress.

Fitbit Sense has built-in temperature sensors that can monitor your body temperature. In this way, you will have an idea of temperature variation.

Further, you will get valuable insights from daily workouts and activities that tell you about overall performance. The watch also shows Heart rate variability (HRV) during training, a plus point. 

Thanks to the SpO2 feature that tells how your body is absorbing oxygen. A spO2 score lower than 95% indicates that you are now well, and you should concern yourself with the doctor. 

Moreover, Fitbit Sense offers Active Zone Minutes, which tells how much fats you burn in a certain time. The more active minutes you earn, the more effective your performance will be. This feature is helpful for outdoor enthusiasts that can track their health performance in a new way.

Apart from this, there are multiple features of this watch that you can enjoy. You can control your alarms, bedtime reminders, and smart home devices, and this all can be done by just speaking to it.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]PPG sensors
EDA scans for electrodermal activity
Notifications for irregular heart rate
Temperature sensors[/i2pros][i2cons]Fitbit Sense smartwatch app works in selected countries.
No advanced feature for tracking a workout.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

7- Fitbit Charge 5

Specifications

OS	Wear OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.04 inches, AMOLED, Touchscreen
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	7days+
GPS	Yes

Finally, Fitbit introduced the first fitness tracker that comes with an FDA approved ECG app. And it’s one of the budget friendly trackers that offer more advanced features for fitness lovers. 

In Fitbit Product line, the ECG app was first unveiled in Fitbit Sense, and Fitbit Charge 5 is the second Fitbit’s device with an ECG app. You can take ECG readings by simply putting your fingers on stainless steel panels on each side for at least 30 seconds. 

Apart from this, the Fitbit Charge 5 is packed with tons of health and fitness tracking features that help you to achieve your fitness goals. There is also a SpO2 sensor that measures the amount of Oxygen in your blood.

So during any activity it shows your SpO2 reading, heart rate, calories burned, intensity (low-high), average cadence, speed, distance, and much more. Because of in depth fitness tracking we strongly recommend this fitness tracker to fitness enthusiasts. 

Further, there are built-in sports modes so you can keep track of your every outdoor activity. The Fitbit Charge 5 also offers Women’s health tracking so she can monitor her cycles. 

This time Fitbit also added a built-in GPS in this tracker which is a big plus point. If you talk about its battery life it will give you 5 days of average battery time which is good. Overall, this is a good fitness tracker with a sleek and minimalist design that feels more comfortable on the wrist.

8- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Specifications

OS	Tizen
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.4 inches, 360x360px
Internal Storage	4GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	2days+
GPS	Yes

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is another option if you are looking for the FDA approved ECG smartwatch. This watch provides you with automatic detection of your heart rate so you can check if it is normal. It can detect abnormal variations in heart rate and quickly alerts you.

Taking the reading for ECG is simple with Samsung Galaxy Watch 2. You need to wear your watch and put the finger of the opposite hand on the case.

This watch conducts the ECG rate with the use of a heart rate sensor.

Further, Galaxy Watch Active comes with a 1.4″ AMOLED display that looks crisp and vibrant. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX+, making it more durable and 5 ATM water-resistant. Watch Active 2 is powered by Tizen OS 5.5, and it has a Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU that offers very smooth performance.

Talking about its health feature, you will also get blood pressure monitoring so you can take BP reading anytime you want. The watch also measures your stress to calm yourself; it offers a 1-minute breathing exercise. 

Galaxy Watch Active 2 precisely tracks your sleep. It tells you about your bedtime, wake time, sleep score, actual sleep time, REM, light sleep, etc. Using these metrics, you can improve your sleep quality. 

It also includes a lot of outdoor and workouts sports modes; the virtual assistant guides you during every outdoor activity. One thing which I have noticed is sometimes and this watch detects wrong workouts. So it’s better to monitor your workouts manually.

 

9- Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Specifications

OS	Tizen OS
Compatibility	Both Android and iOS
Display	1.4 inches, 360 x 360px
Internal Storage	8 GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	2 days
GPS	Yes

Galaxy Watch 3 is an FDA-approved smartwatch with ECG functionality. Moreover, it can serve as the best alternative to Apple Watch Series 6.

It is packed with an additional feature of monitoring blood pressure along with ECG. What makes it best is its multiple functions such as ECG, Blood oxygen level, heart rate monitoring, calorie tracking, and blood pressure monitoring.

One of the excellent features of this watch is fall detection. There are advanced sensors that can detect hard falls and immediately send a message to the emergency number of your location. It will automatically call Emergency service if the fall alarm is not deactivated in a few minutes.

Galaxy Watch 3 uses advanced sensors to measure your stress; it takes readings from heart rate for stress measurement. You will also get deep breathing exercises to relax and lower your stress.

Further, it offers various sports modes for outdoor enthusiasts, and the sports tracking is much similar to Galaxy Watch Active 2.

The watch 3 also has some extra modes for high-intensity training (HIIT); if you are interested in gym or heavy workouts, Galaxy Watch 3 is the best option for you.

With all these features, this watch is best for people with blood pressure issues. It is available in two versions, 41 and 45mm.

The battery life in Galaxy Watch 3 is similar to its predecessor. The 340mAh battery lasts for two days in smartwatch mode. However, you can increase the battery life by adapting optimized settings. Samsung also added fast magnetic charging to boost the charging speed and save time.

10- Withings ScanWatch

Specifications

OS	N/A
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.65 inches Analog/PMOLED (monochrome)
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	25days+
GPS	Only connected GPS

Withings ScanWatch is the prescription-grade health and fitness watch with a long battery life that can take FDA-approved ECG readings. The Withings ScanWatch is the first watch to be FDA-cleared for its ECG features.

Your heart rate is automatically recorded by ScanWatch day and night and at any time, and just in 30 seconds, an ECG reading is available whenever you want. Also, you can share this report with your doctor through the Health Mate app.

ScanWatch comes with a classy analog design and feels big, weighing 2.9 ounces. It is a hybrid smartwatch designed to monitor health parameters, help to improve fitness and detect AFib.

Featuring a PMOLED screen with the anti-reflective Sapphire glass, you’ll get a clear look at your data.

Most importantly, it has heart rate monitoring which lets you know how fast your heart is breathing. This feature enables you to figure out what energy source you are using.

With the clinically validated SpO2 sensor, you can record blood oxygen levels directly from your wrist just in 30 seconds. Also, you can track breathing disturbances during your sleep to improve your sleep quality.

Its activity tracking feature allows you to achieve your fitness goals. The automatic activity detection feature will automatically recognize your activity and log it into the Health Mate app.

Furthermore, it has the features like a step tracker, workout mode, connected GPS, and 5 ATM water-resistant.

Looking at its battery, Withings promises up to 30 days of battery life as a ScanWatch, up to 7 days as a typical fitness band, and up to 18 hours as a typical smartwatch.

11- Withings Move ECG

Specifications

OS	N/A
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.4 inches
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	12 months
GPS	No

Withings Move is the World’s first analog watch with ECG to detect atrial fibrillation anytime. It is an affordable ECG monitor and exercise tracker. 

If you want a stylish activity tracker which can help identify atrial fibrillation, then Move ECG is an excellent choice because it is highly accurate and was developed with the help of cardiologists from well-known institutions.

We like the Move ECG watch. You can record an ECG with or without your phone because your data can be stored in the watch until the next sync.

After recording, you can easily share the ECG data with your doctor or health professional in the form of a PDF.

Along with the ECG feature, Withings Move ECG also has the workout mode, which you can access by long-pressing the button, which will start a chronometer and track your activity.

You can track steps, swim, and run without even opening the app with this watch. Also, the built-in altimeter measures the floors climbed in feet/meters to help you go the extra miles.

The watch is always monitoring your sleep with the sleep tracking feature. According to the Withings, Move ECG can record the 30 different exercises. 

One thing that we have not seen in this watch is continuous heart rate monitoring. Moreover, it is waterproof and can be worn during a shower and swimming.

Talking about its battery life Withings says that this watch can provide up to 12 months of battery life, which is impressive.

12- Alivecor KardiaMobile 6L

Specifications

Recording Time	30 seconds
Saving method	PDF
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Disease detected	6
Battery Life	24 hours

AliCor KardiaMobile 6L is another FDA-approved ECG monitor which monitors your heart rhythm and detects atrial fibrillation within one minute.

This portable ECG monitor is perfect for those who already own a smartwatch without ECG and don’t want to invest more money. The fantastic thing about this ECG monitor is that it takes the 6L ECG, providing more information.

It is unique from the ECG smartwatches because it can also detect other heart problems other than AFib like bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (increased heart rate), and sinus rhythm.

KardiaMobile 6L uses three electrodes to record an EKG and wirelessly transmit the data to your smartphone or tablet. 

Note: ICDs and pacemakers are not compatible with KardiaMobile. So, there is no heart attack detection on KardiaMobile.

13- Apple Watch Series 5

Specifications

OS	Watch OS
Compatibility	iOS 12.0+
Display	1.78 inch, OLED, Touchscreen, Digital Crown
Internal Storage	32 GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	18+ hours
GPS	Yes

Apple Watch Series 5 is one of the budget-friendly smartwatch for iPhone users. It is an FDA-approved ECG smartwatch and offers many other health-tracking features.

You can easily take an ECG reading on Apple Watch 5, and I will take ECG readings in just 30 seconds.

Apple Watches also have a fall detection function. It will immediately contact emergency services with your location if you suffered a serious fall and did not answer for one minute.

Moreover, you can track your speed, distance, and direction with the watch’s integrated GPS.

With normal use, the battery life of this Apple watch is 18 hours. However, it is mainly determined by how much you use your watch.

Sadly, there is no way to monitor blood oxygen levels with the Apple Watch Series 5. Furthermore, just like the Series 6, the Series 5 will only operate with iPhones. Thus, this watch is only worth buying if you already own an iPhone.

All in all, if you’re searching for an affordable smartwatch with ECG, this is one of the best ECG smartwatch.

14- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Specifications

OS	Wear OS 3.0
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.2 inches, 396 x 396px
Internal Storage	16 GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	1day+
GPS	Yes

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the best Android smartwatch with ECG. It has a variety of health-tracking capabilities, including stress tracking, blood oxygen level monitoring, sleep tracking and abnormal heart rate detection.

Galaxy is improving its sensor with each flagship watch. Galaxy Watch 4 contains market-leading photodiode sensors that work in parallel to give more accurate ECG readings—taking EKG no Watch 4 similar to predecessors.

After taking ECG readings, you can generate a PDF report and share it with your doctor for better consultation.

There are a lot of other features to see in Galaxy Watch 4. First of all, you will get Blood pressure monitoring which is very useful if you face hypertension or blood pressure issues. 

Similarly, another premium fitness feature is SpO2, which tracks the amount of oxygenated blood in your body. Apart from this, you will get stress tracking, calories monitoring, sleep tracking, and red-time heart rate monitoring. 

This time Samsung has also added Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which monitors the amount of muscle, fats, and water in your body. For athletes or fitness lovers, BIA sensors are very useful features. 

With the built-in GPS, it is possible to track both indoor and outdoor activities like running, bicycling, yoga, and hiking with the watch. Also, this smartwatch has music storage and playback capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch also has fall detection, which is a great feature. Because of its advanced sensors, this watch will send an SOS message to the emergency services if you suffer a hard fall.

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Things To Consider Before Buying A Best Smartwatch With ECG

No matter which ECG smartwatch you will buy, you must consider these factors to buy the perfect one.

1- Accuracy

To get the perfect ECG smartwatch, first of all, you have to consider the accuracy of that smartwatch. If that watch gives accurate results of the ECG app, then you are ready to go for that watch.

2- SpO2 Feature

The best smartwatch with ECG is incomplete without the SpO2 feature. By using this feature, you can find out how well your heart pumps oxygen throughout your body.

People with conditions that affect blood oxygen levels may use it to monitor their health, especially if they are in the hospital.

2- FDA Approved

The next thing that you have to check in the watch that you are going to buy is whether it is FDA approved or not. If yes, then you can go for that watch.

An FDA-approved product means that the FDA has decided that the product’s benefits outweigh the known risks. The manufacturer must submit a pre-market approval application and results of clinical testing.

3- PPG  Sensor

For monitoring heart rate, photoplethysmography (PPG) is an uncomplicated and inexpensive optical measurement method. 

PPG measures the volumetric variations of blood circulation by using a light source and a photodetector at the skin’s surface.

The PPG sensor is the plus point for the best ECG smartwatches.

4- Temperature Sensor

Signals from this sensor are used to measure temperature. When it detects a temperature change, the sensor produces an electrical voltage or resistance.

If the watch contains this feature, it is the plus point for that watch, and you are pretty good to go for it.

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What Is ECG

During an electrocardiogram, your heart’s electrical activity is recorded. Heart disease is quickly detected and monitored with this painless test.

ECG is one of the fastest and the simplest tests and is done by placing electrodes at certain essential spots of the body, including your chest, legs, and arms.

Using the lead wires, the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine. This process provides you with your heart’s electrical activity, which is then measured, analyzed, and printed out.

Remember, during an ECG, no electricity is sent into your body. Electrical impulses help keep blood flowing effectively in the heart by coordinating contractions of different parts.

An ECG test provides a lot of essential information to the doctor. This information includes:

• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Heart rhythm
• Heart-rate irregularities
• Heart attack
• Heart block
• Atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular fibrillation

Until modern wireless ECG devices became available, it was impossible to record your ECG at home. However, a smartwatch can alert users of abnormal heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias), but it cannot recognize a heart attack. 

This allows you to get medical attention as soon as possible before any further complications arise.

What Is An Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and sometimes very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that may lead to blood clots in the heart. In addition to stroke and heart failure, A-fib increases the risk of heart-related complications.

The symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation are fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc., and are caused by Lung diseases, Sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart attack, etc.

What Is A Ventricular Fibrillation?

Fibrillation of the ventricles is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). In ventricular fibrillation, the lower heart chambers (ventricles) twitch (quiver) uselessly due to disorganized heart signals. 

Consequently, the heart does not pump blood to the rest of the body. The most common symptom of ventricular fibrillation is collapse and loss of consciousness.

How ECG Smartwatches Work?

Most smartwatches come with Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, which measure the changes in blood volume passing through the wrist. Similarly, smartwatches take an ECG reading, and the algorithms process extracted data and show you ECG reports.

According to ScienceDirect, “The”Peak” to ”peak” interval pulsation can be used in algorithms to detect atrial fibrillation (AF). Different smartwatch brands have different AF detection algorithms, which can be affected by wrist position, motion, ectopic beats, etc.

Taking an ECG on smartwatches is entirely different from taking ECG on professional devices. For example, in the case of the latest Apple watches, you have to hold your finger on its digital crown for 30 seconds. 

Similarly, in Galaxy watches, you have to hold your finger on the back button for 30 seconds, and it will generate results. And in the case of Fitbit, you have first to open the ECG app, and it will ask you to place your finger on the corner of Fitbit. 

Should You Buy An ECG Smartwatch?

Before choosing an ECG smartwatch, the question arises why I would buy an ECG watch? These watches are not helpful; some people take ECGs for fun and then forget these features. Users between 20 and 30 years don’t need an ECG watch; they should watch a sport to track their activities. 

But on the other hand, people over 50 should buy an ECG smartwatch because they need to regularly take care of their health. And also, if you are a person with heart problems, then such smartwatches are valuable for you. 

Apart from each ECG, users can also measure their other health factors like blood pressure, SpO2, sleep, calories burned, temperature, etc. 

There is a deep sea of smartwatches in the market, so it isn’t easy to trust one single brand. If you are infested with ECG watches, you should look for brands like Apple, Samsung, or Fitbit. These brands have a high reputation and trust rates to rely on their smartwatches. 

Can ECG Watches Save Your Life?

Although ECG watches can’t work like professional medical instruments, still these gadgets are helpful to measure your ECG at home.

FDA approves the latest Apple and Samsung watches for Atrial Fibrillation tests. The watches effectively recognize arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), so individuals can take precautions to avoid major future problems. 

Fitbit’s new Sense is currently improving its ECG app, and the FDA does not yet approve it. But in a few months, it will be approved and show the same results as Samsung, and Apple Watches do. 

Both Apple Watch and Fitbit Use the same optical photoplethysmography (PPG sensor) to detect heart rate. But like Apple Watch, Fitbit won’t be continually monitoring for signs of Atrial Fibrillation. 

Apple watches also offer heart rate alters that notify you about your irregular heart rates or BPM. With such notification, you can check your wellness and caution to avoid complex issues.  

ECG watches are not made to detect heart rate or any issues; you should consult with your doctor if you feel such problems. 

Accuracy Of ECG Smartwatch

If you are going to buy an ECG smartwatch, you should go with that smartwatch approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

ECG smartwatches that are FDA-approved are clinically validated to be accurate. FDA tests the device profoundly and thoroughly for its performance and accuracy. This makes it difficult to get FDA approval.

The ECG smartwatches are very convenient because these smartwatches allow you to take multiple ECGs directly from your wrist. These smartwatches are helpful because they keep you alert and save you from significant complications.

Pros And Cons Of ECG Smartwatches

According to the Harvard medical school data, over 160 million people will soon use wearable tech like smartwatches to track their health and fitness.

These smartwatches can be a big boon for heart patients as few of them also monitor ECG. But at the same time, it is stated that 30% of wearable devices give inaccurate results. 

Similarly, Dr. Ivor Benjamin, the president of the AHF, said that some people report symptoms that are not found in them. This is because of using inaccurate wearables to evaluate your health. Also, AHF doesn’t endorse any ECG smartwatch. 

According to sciencedirect there are a few pros and cons of ECG smartwatches include;

Pros:

• Patient empowerment by having direct access to personalized health measures.
• Evaluation of patients with palpitations.
• Monitoring of atrial fibrillation in a high-risk population.
• Coaching on AF burden and recurrence rate.

Cons:

• Price, accessibility
• Lack of continuous monitoring
• Privacy and security issues of personal data generate by consumer wearables
• Don’t detect heart rate
• False or inaccurate results may lead to stress

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the number of deaths because of sudden heart attacks increases day by day. It is essential to keep track of your heart rate, and overall health is essential. Therefore we provided you with information about the popular choices for the best smartwatch with ECG.

Apple Watch Series 6 is the most popular smartwatch with ECG functionality. It can alert you immediately for any abnormality in your heart rate.

I hope we were able to guide you thoroughly and provide answers to your questions. I hope you had a great time reading this article, and it will be great if you choose a smartwatch from our list.

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