• News
• Modojo @ Shacknews

Apple Watch Series 4 will be the first over-the-counter electrocardiogram product

The Apple Watch Series 4 includes a suite of health-related monitoring tools, including the world's first OTC EKG/ECG, also known as an electrocardiogram.

Kevin Tucker

September 12, 2018 10:34 AM

2

Apple is always putting consumer-oriented technology into their products, but before today's latest reveals, not all of those features have had the distinct potential of saving lives. That has now changed, as the Apple Watch Series 4 includes the world's first over-the-counter electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG or ECG, which allows its wearers to track their heart health in real-time.

This is huge news not only for Apple Watch users who want to promote their overall health, but also for people who may be prone to various health problems. The Apple Watch Series 4's EKG can help users track their heart rate and rhythm, and the device will even notify the user of irregularities like atrial fibrillation. All of the data is then stored in Apple's secure Apple Health App, where the data can then be referred to or analyzed as needed.

Coupled with other features such as the new Apple Watch's ability to notice when the user falls down and send out an alert when they haven't moved afterward, the Apple Watch Series 4 extends the wearable's functionality well beyond the confines of a simple smartwatch. Now, the Series 4 can be considered a combination health monitoring, tracking, and alert system — sort of a blend of the diagnostic tools found in hospitals mixed with the functionality of emergency notification devices like those used with LifeAlert.

Apple has no doubt realized how helpful these tools could be, and has been working with researchers from Stanford University on the Apple Heart Study to learn more about heart health and atrial fibrillation. Apple has also been granted FDA clearance for the Series 4's EKG feature, which is practically guaranteed to open more avenues for the device's use in medical monitoring and diagnostics.

Stay on top of all the latest news regarding the recent Apple Special Event by heading over to Shacknews' Apple home page.

Kevin Tucker

Guides Editor

Kevin Tucker is a core component of Shacknews' powerful guide development team. For questions, concerns, tips, or to share constructive criticism, he can be reached on Twitter @dukeofgnar or through e-mail at kevin.tucker@shacknews.com.