Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Patient Directed Recording of a Bipolar Three-Lead Electrocardiogram using a Smartwatch with ECG Function
Published on: December 11, 2019
Smart watch-detected tachycardia: a case of atrial flutter
Lara N Goldstein1, Mike Wells1
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract:
The use of smart watches like the Apple watch and other wearable electronic devices by the general public has been increasing dramatically. Until their accuracy for detecting dysrhythmias has been well-established, however, it would not be appropriate to rely on them solely to rule-in or rule-out pathology. Nonetheless, unusual findings from these devices should be followed up with more conventional investigations, and this approach may prove highly beneficial to patients and treating clinicians alike. This case demonstrates a diagnosis of atrial flutter that was suspected based on the Apple watch and iPhone Health app findings.
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