Study suggests Apple Apple Watch has the potential to detect heart attacks

Apple Apple Watch users may actually be able to detect the symptoms of a heart attack using their watch. According to research published earlier this month in the Journal of the Texas Heart Institute, the Apple Watch can help identify heart attacks through the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor included in the watch.

In the journal, the researchers discuss the topic, which still needs more development, but the Apple Watch has the potential to become a self-checking tool for users. Heart attacks or myocardial infarctions (MI) are becoming increasingly common in the US, with someone experiencing one almost every 40 seconds. Early detection could help save millions of lives as the chances of survival increase by more than 50 per cent if treatment is received quickly.

Apple says the device is not suitable for detecting myocardial infarction because it only provides single-lead information, whereas a professional diagnosis requires a 12-lead ECG. The study shows the potential of the Apple Watch, particularly the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6 and 7 models, as they have ECG sensors that can provide multiple leads for MI diagnosis. It explains that leads I, II and III are essential in traditional ECG diagnostics. As Apple uses lead I, it only needs the other two and can use different body parts to obtain relevant information.

The study states that "the smartwatch can be placed on the left lower abdomen, left thigh or left ankle, and lead II can be recorded by placing the right index finger on the crown; lead III can be recorded in the same way by placing the left index finger on the crown."

The researchers point out that the limitations of this approach also need to be noted, as the Apple Watch is not yet a substitute for clinical procedures.