Series 4: Irregular Heart Rhythm vs ECG

[johnyslats]

Hi guys. Wondering if someone more informed than myself can clarify the following relating to the new heart rate features .

I'm really trying to understand how the two features are unique. Looks like the Irregular Heart Rhythm notifications work periodically in the background using the optical heart rate sensor. Isn't this serving the same function as the electrodes in the ECG? If so, why is ECG needed?

Is it for greater clarity or is it actually checking for things over and above the Irregular Rhythm detected through the optical sensor? I understand there will be situations where you want to check for IHR on demand (using the ECG app) but if Apple Watch checks for those periodically through optical anyway, way couldn't an app be designed around the optical sensor?

Thanks

 

[Julien]

No, an irregular HR is a basic measurement and just looks for general irregularities in the HR pattern. ECG analyzes the electrical signals and details how the heart reposed to them through out each cycle.

 

[matrix07]

I’m not a doctor so take it with a huge grain of salt.

Irregular Heart Rhythm is when your heart rate is abnormal, like lower or higher than usual. 120 BPM when you’re just resting or 50 BPM despite you’re not working out much. These are all irregular and HR sensor at the back of Apple Watch can detect them and warn you.

ECG however has nothing to do with how many your heart beat per minute but how your heart BEAT. Your heart could beat at a normal rate, says 72 BPM but still show sign of a-flib by the irregularity of the beat itself.

 

[Julien]

....ECG however has nothing to do with how many your heart beat per minute but how your heart BEAT. Your heart could beat at a normal rate, says 72 BPM but still show sign of a-flib by the irregularity of the beat itself.

...plus 100's of other problems that are not HR related like defective valves or murmurs.

 

[johnyslats]

Great, thanks for the info!