Apple Watch Chief Jeff Williams Says ECG App is 'Huge Opportunity' to Empower People About Their Health

[StyxMaker]

You tell it when you set up the app, it’s a toggle

And people have moral scruples about lying to a computer?

 

[Azathoth123]

And people have moral scruples about lying to a computer?

Yeah I thought about that too. People commit homicide all the time but you rarely hear of someone ‘killing’ their computer, though Win 10 seems to be trying really hard, lol.

 

[sparkinstx]

When did these go from being called an EKG, to an ECG? Years ago, after going to the doctor for a pulled back muscle, the doctor discovered I had a heart murmur, whereupon I was referred to a cardiologist, who ordered an EKG (electrocardiogram), and an ECG (echocardiogram, or sonogram).

 

[Afrin_afi2001]

Most men don’t get annual checkups. I never have. Maybe it’s routine in other countries, but not in the US.

In the US, it’s routine for kids to get annual checkups, and most women see an OBGYN annually, but most men don’t do annual checkups.

If the choice is between $500 for a visit to a cardiologist with a test vs paying $500 for an Apple Watch with an EKG feature, what do you think most people with no chest pain will choose?

I think those who suspect a heart condition while being asymptotic should see a specialist. Relying on the Apple Watch to be your cardiologist is dangerous.

I am sure that the absolute majority will give more credence to the EKG feature than it deserves. If the EKG feature shows no issues, most people will not see a doctor. If it shows an issue, most people will go to see to the doctor. In either case, the watch may be giving you a false result.

You’ve raised some great points about the issue. While the Apple Watch’s EKG feature is convenient and may provide some peace of mind, it’s not a substitute for seeing a specialist. The risk is that people will either trust the watch too much and skip important checkups or get alarmed by false positives.

Even if you're asymptomatic, it’s always better to see a doctor, especially if you suspect a heart condition. A cardiologist can evaluate your health far more accurately than a smartwatch. Technology can be helpful, but it shouldn’t replace professional care, especially when it comes to something as serious as heart health.