The Apple Watch’s new ECG feature is already saving lives

Sure, Apple may have announced three new iPhones, a new MacBook Air, and the new iPad Pro this year, but the most important product is the company’s Apple Watch Series 4. It was just last night that Apple activated the Watch’s electrocardiogram (ECG) feature, and it appears to already be saving lives.

Redditor u/edentel posted his experience today after receiving an alert on his Apple watch indicating he may have atrial fibrillation – afib for short – and decided to go to the doctor. The Doctor confirmed the Watch’s reading, saying “this probably saved you.”

The Apple Watch is first ECG device with FDA clearance for consumers (which is not the same as being FDA approved. It gives people access to important heart health data without having to see a doctor first.

It’s not going to replace actually going to the doctor – the basic ECG can’t detect all the conditions a medical-grade one can – but it’s still a remarkable feature I hope reaches other smartwatches soon.

It’s this type of feature that reminds me technology can be a force for the better. It’s estimated Afib affects 2 to 3 percent of Europeans and North Americans; Considering how many Americans avoid going to the doctor in the first place due to high costs, I expect many similar stories to show up in the weeks and months to come.

If you have an Apple Watch Series 4, you can read more on how to use the ECG feature in our post here.