Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Apple Watch AFib Detection – The Mac Observer

A recent article inFortune states, Should consumers be wary of Apples heartbeat monitoring app? Itexamined the results of multiple studies with the Apple Watchs AFib detection. In one study, it detected AFib 34 out of 90 times, an accuracy of 41%.

Apple makes it clear that the Apple Watch isnt a medical device, despite being cleared by the FDA for heart monitoring. In fact, the FDA lists the Apple Watch as a Class II devicewhich puts it on the same level as condoms and home pregnancy kits.

On Apples website, it states: A heart rate under 50 BPM or over 120 BPM affects the ECG apps ability to check for AFib, and the recording is considered inconclusive.

For people with concerns about their heart health, its important to keep the above in mind. The Apple Watch can do limited monitoring, but its not a medical device. If you do get an AFib alert, check with your doctor and discuss the results. Then they can examine your heart rhythm with real medical devices.

As an emergency physician explained,

In summary, the new Apple Watch looks like a great tool, but it is not meant to be a medical grade device and not a substitute for medical and professional evaluation in the case of symptoms. Even if your Apple Watch ECG appears totally normal that does not necessarily mean you do not have atrial fibrillation or other cardiac abnormalities.

[Apple and Stanford Launch Apple Watch Heart Study]

[You Can Check a Bananas Heart Rate with Apple Watch]

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Here's Why You Shouldn't Worry About Apple Watch AFib Detection - The Mac Observer