How to Install and Use the ECG App on Apple Watch Series 4 in Canada

It’s been a 10-month wait, but the ECG (electrocardiogram) app has finally landed in Canada for Apple Watch Series 4 users, to go with irregular rhythm notifications (for Series 1 or later).

If you purchased an Apple Watch Series 4 model in Canada, here’s how to download the ECG app and also perform your first ECG.

Step 1: Update your iPhone to iOS 12.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2: Once iOS 12.4 is installed, update your Apple Watch to watchOS 5.3. Launch the Watch app on iPhone and go to General > Software Update and install watchOS 5.3. You will require your Apple Watch Series 4 to be charging for the install to proceed.

Step 3: Next, launch the Health app on iPhone and follow the setup instructions. You will be required to enter your birth date. Apple will explain what the ECG will do and what it cannot do, which is important to know:

Step 4: Once setup, launch the ECG app on your Apple Watch—it looks like this: . If you haven’t followed the setup instructions in the Health app on iPhone, it’ll prompt you to first:

You’ll be asked to sitting down and resting your arm. Next, just touch the Digital Crown with your finger for 30 seconds and the ECG will be performed, and afterwards a result will be shown of either Sinus Rhythm, AFib, or Inconclusive. Seriously, for those requiring frequent ECGs, this is too easy.

Step 5: You can easily share a PDF of your ECG within the Health app on iPhone. Just head to ECG, tap your ECG report and hit the Sharesheet icon.

Step 6: The Health app will also ask if you want to set up irregular rhythm notifications as well. These are checked in the background when you are still and if AFib is detected, you will be notified. Just follow the instructions to enable the notifications.

Apple provides the following “things you should know” about the ECG app:

• The ECG app cannot detect a heart attack. If you ever experience chest pain, pressure, tightness, or what you think is a heart attack, call emergency services immediately.
• The ECG app cannot detect blood clots or a stroke.
• The ECG app cannot detect other heart-related conditions. These include high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, or other forms of arrhythmia.
• If you’re not feeling well or are feeling any symptoms, talk to your doctor or seek immediate medical attention.

Are you using the ECG app on your Apple Watch Series 4 in Canada yet? Developers on iOS 13 beta and watchOS 6 beta do not have the ECG app yet, but it should arrive in the next update.