Apple Watch ECG Trial App Unveiled

There’s little question that Apple’s dream for its wearable is for the thing to become a major player in the medical industry, both at home and in the doctor’s office. While such utility is likely a few generations out, the Apple Watch heart rate sensor certainly hints at bigger things. But it’s still pretty capable of some very detailed diagnostic functions as is. The most impressive example of this was just posted to YouTube today, and it comes via the USC Center for Body Computing:

Essentially (and very broadly), this app functions as a kind of Holter monitor on the wrist. It features live ECG readings and includes a voice-record function so the wearer can annotate the readout with whatever physical symptoms they’re feeling. Look, I’ve worn a traditional Holter monitor before, and believe me when I tell you that it’s a bulky, uncomfortable, annoying ordeal. Every time I felt something odd or “abnormal,” I’d press a button on the machine’s multi-electrode hub to mark the timestamp, after which I’d write a note in my journal to document the nature of the experience. This app appears to streamline that process considerably.

Seriously, which one would you rather wear:

Of course, there are a couple of important caveats: First, this app is a proof of concept and unlikely to hit the consumer market any time soon. Plus, most of that depends on FDA clearance (or, hopefully, exemption), so only time will tell. Secondly, there’s no indication of exactly how accurate the existing Apple Watch heart rate sensor is for producing a proper, lab-grade ECG reading, and I think it’s safe to assume that the optics aren’t quite ready for that sort of primetime.

Still, this is the big stuff Apple intends for its tiny device, and anyone concerned with their health — both generally or specifically (or stock marketly!) — should be on the lookout for these kinds of exciting advancements out of Apple Watch and its dedicated third-party developers.