Apple Watch Tops the List in ECG Readability, According to Researchers. In a recent investigation at the Basel University Hospital in Switzerland, the electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities of several market-leading wearables were assessed. The Apple Watch stood out, garnering commendation from a majority of researchers for delivering high-quality, easily interpretable ECG results.
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While traditional medical devices use numerous leads connected to a patient to get precise ECG readings, wearables typically employ a single lead, which naturally provides a less exhaustive analysis.
The research evaluated the single-lead ECG performance of various wearables, including the Fitbit Sense, KardiaMobile, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Whitings ScanWatch, Apple Watch, and several others. An array of 450 researchers with diverse educational and professional backgrounds assessed these readings. They were tasked with categorizing up to 50 ECG readings from ten individuals across five devices, designating them as sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, or inconclusive.
For a more comprehensive analysis, these outcomes were juxtaposed against readings from a 12-lead ECG device, which were reviewed by expert cardiologists.
The findings revealed that in detecting atrial fibrillation, all wearables performed similarly. However, Apple Watch stood out in the crowd. About half of the researchers concluded that the Apple Watch presented data that was clearer and more legible. Additionally, 45% felt that Apple’s wearable delivered superior overall readings.
In conclusion, while single-lead ECG wearables might present data that can be challenging for professionals to interpret, the brand or model seems to have a minimal impact from a general user’s perspective. Yet, it’s notable that a significant proportion of participants leaned towards the ECG capabilities of the Apple Watch, pointing towards its potential prominence in the wearables space.
