The ECG function of the Apple Watch is not only nice for you, but also for your doctor. He or she can see exactly how your heart rate is going. This is how you share the ECG results with your doctor.
Share Apple Watch ECG data with your doctor
Last week watchOS 5.2 was released in the Netherlands. The most important addition is that you can make heart videos with your Apple Watch. This function only works on the Series 4, because you need special hardware. Of course it is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or measurement, but it does make the job of your doctor easier.
This is how you share ECG data from your Apple Watch:
- First, you need to make at least one heart movie with your Apple Watch;
- Open the Health app on your iPhone and tap on ‘Data’ at the bottom;
- Choose ‘Heart’ and select ‘Electrocardiogram (ECG)’. This screen contains an overview of your recent heart movies and associated statistics;
- Tap the measurement you want to send and press ‘Export a PDF for your doctor’;
- Select the share icon at the top right (with the arrow) and choose how you want to send the measurement (via e-mail or WhatsApp for example). You can also print the chart directly via AirPrint and take it with you to the consultation.
No GP substitute
The Heart screen contains a lot of data and statistics. Here you will find, among other things, when your heart rate was abnormal and your sinus rhythm. If your Apple Watch has diagnosed atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats), make an appointment with a care provider as soon as possible. You will automatically receive a notification when this is the case.
However, remember that the ECG function is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. For example, the Apple Watch is unable to recognize heart attacks, blood clots, strokes or other heart defects. Making heart films independently is a nice tool.
Read the latest news about watchOS
- Apple releases watchOS 6.1.3 with a bug fix for heart rate notifications (2/18/2020)
- Tip: This is how you make a heart video with your Apple Watch (2/9/2020)
- Apple releases watchOS 5.3.2 for Watch Series 4 (9-10-2019)
- Apple is releasing iOS 12.4.2 and watchOS 5.3.2 for older iPhones and Apple Watches (9/26/2019)
- watchOS 5.3 and updates for macOS, tvOS and HomePod are rolling out (7/22/2019)