The Apple Watch is one of the best performing products of the Cupertino tech giant. Over the past months, we have read different stories on how the small but dependable smart wearable from Apple saved the lives of some of its users because of its features. But, the great heart monitoring feature of the Apple Watch is not foolproof.
Apple Watch Limitations
A new study claims that the Apple Watch has some limitations. Even though it comes with a built-in ECG, heart monitoring, and fall detection features, it is not perfect. And, it looks like one of the strongest selling points of the Apple Watch Series 4, which is the ability to detect atrial fibrillation or AFib, is imperfect after all.
A recent report reveals that although most of the studies conducted in measuring the accuracy of the Apple Watch's AFib detection, the majority of these studies failed to gauge the ability of the smartwatch to detect AFib accurately at a hear rate over 120 beats per minute, says Fortune. But, Apple was upfront ever since, as evidenced on its application at the Food and Drug Administration, that the Apple Watch is not accurate when it comes to sensing irregular heart rhythm more than 120 bpm or below 50 bpm.
The Cupertino tech giant also clearly notes in a support article regarding heart health notifications that the Apple Watch is not a remedy for all types of heart conditions. The company recommends consulting a medical doctor whenever they are not feeling well, particularly those with heart problems. Apple underlines that users must do this even if the Apple Watch reads that they are well and good.
Other Apple Watch Studies
Circulation earlier published smaller research that examined the ability of the Apple Watch to detect AFib in patients that have just undergone cardiac surgery. It revealed that Apple Watch got it right in 41 percent of the cases. But, the research only used a small sample group of 90 patients with symptoms of AFib.
Another study conducted in 2018 revealed a 97 percent accuracy of Apple Watch among 9,750 participants, as published by AHAJournals. Apple has always been direct when it comes to the accuracy of the Apple Watch, especially in detecting irregular heart rhythm. The company even suggests seeking immediate professional care even if the Apple Watch shows otherwise.
Users must be aware of this and not solely rely on the health readings of the Apple Watch. Meanwhile, the company is expected to release the Apple Watch Series 6 this year. Rumors have it that it might feature a sleep-tracking app that many users have long been requesting.
