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Smartwatch ECG: how to record it and show your doctor
smartwatch ECG · watch ECG · ECG on a fitness tracker · sharing a watch ECG with a doctor
Some smartwatches can record a single-lead ECG in about half a minute. You can save the recording and show it to your doctor.
When a racing heart or skipped beats come on suddenly and pass before you see a doctor. A recording helps catch the moment.
⏱ Duration: one recording usually takes about 30 seconds
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Setup. Turn on the ECG feature in the watch app ahead of time and go through the tutorial.
- Strap. The watch should sit snugly on your wrist, on clean, dry skin.
- Position. During the recording, sit down, rest your arm on a table, and do not talk.
What to bring
- Your watch and phone with the recordings
- Recordings saved as PDF, if the app can do it
- A diary of times and how you felt
How it goes
- Sit down and calm yourself
- Open the ECG app on your watch
- Touch the button or crown of the watch with a finger of your other hand
- Stay still for about 30 seconds while it records
- Add a note about how you feel
- Save or export the recording as a PDF for your doctor
What you'll feel
- You feel nothing. The watch only records
- The recording may fail if your arm moves. Just try again
Afterwards
- Show the recordings to your doctor along with your diary
- Even if the watch says normal but you feel unwell, see a doctor
- The watch does not make a diagnosis. Your doctor does
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or fainting: call emergency services. Do not waste time on a recording
- A very fast heartbeat that does not stop
Common questions
Can I trust a watch ECG?
It is a good clue for your doctor, but not a full ECG. Your doctor makes the final call.
How do I show the recording to my doctor?
Usually the phone app can save the recording as a PDF to send or print.