Apple Watch 4

[Android Central Question]

What are the chances that Google or Samsung will make an "android" specific watch that meets the capabilities of the AW4? Specifically the ECG functionality. I was almost ready to jump ship, but the ECG of the AW4 is a game changer for someone like me with afib.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I don't know how likely Wear OS watches will incorporate ECG -- it might be something Fitbit or other fitness-specific bands might consider.

As a doctor, I've been regarding the whole adulation of the Series 4 with some bemusement. From what I can tell, the Series 4 requires you to press your finger to the digital crown for 30 seconds in order to get a reading (https://www.tomsguide.com/us/apple-watch-series-4-ekg-sensor,news-28081.html). This would therefore only be useful for a patient who is already suspecting that they're currently in atrial fibrillation (presumably because they feel palpitations, or feel their radial pulse is irregular). For these kinds of patients, palpating an irregular pulse will likely be just as good as measuring an ECG (unless, perhaps, if the heart rate is going so fast that it's hard to tell if it's regular or irregular).

Where the watch could have been a game changer is if it could be monitoring the ECG constantly in the background. A-fib can often be asymptomatic, so being able to alert someone about it when they're totally unaware of it would be extremely helpful. That's what Holter monitors or Ziopatches are used for, but those require multiple electrodes to be attached to the skin at all times. But since measuring an ECG requires contact points from at least two separate parts of the body, that's probably impossible for a standalone watch.

It'd also be helpful if the watch could detect ventricular arrhythmias, like ventricular tachycardia. However, in all of the materials and press I've seen about the Series 4, all I see mentioned is a-fib, which makes me think it isn't accurate enough to detect v-tach.

 

[anon(10522893)]

Welcome to Android Central! I don't know how likely Wear OS watches will incorporate ECG -- it might be something Fitbit or other fitness-specific bands might consider.

As a doctor, I've been regarding the whole adulation of the Series 4 with some bemusement. From what I can tell, the Series 4 requires you to press your finger to the digital crown for 30 seconds in order to get a reading (https://www.tomsguide.com/us/apple-watch-series-4-ekg-sensor,news-28081.html). This would therefore only be useful for a patient who is already suspecting that they're currently in atrial fibrillation (presumably because they feel palpitations, or feel their radial pulse is irregular). For these kinds of patients, palpating an irregular pulse will likely be just as good as measuring an ECG (unless, perhaps, if the heart rate is going so fast that it's hard to tell if it's regular or irregular).

Where the watch could have been a game changer is if it could be monitoring the ECG constantly in the background. A-fib can often be asymptomatic, so being able to alert someone about it when they're totally unaware of it would be extremely helpful. That's what Holter monitors or Ziopatches are used for, but those require multiple electrodes to be attached to the skin at all times. But since measuring an ECG requires contact points from at least two separate parts of the body, that's probably impossible for a standalone watch.

It'd also be helpful if the watch could detect ventricular arrhythmias, like ventricular tachycardia. However, in all of the materials and press I've seen about the Series 4, all I see mentioned is a-fib, which makes me think it isn't accurate enough to detect v-tach.

The watch is already able to detect when there is a drastic change in heartbeat, which could alert someone to use the ECG functionality of the watch. The current AW3 (and even my garmin 935) is able to detect the sudden change in heartrate (like it did when I was in a car accident recently). The ECG does require the user to then use the digital crown. To me, its kind of like the camera on your phone.... its not the best camera in the world, but the best camera in the world is useless if it's at home when you need to take a picture right now. I just wonder if anyone knows of any Wear manufacturers might come up with something similar. There was a kickstarter at one time, but it's 1 year past delivery and I'm sure not going anywhere.