Just a little over two decades ago, if you felt there was something wrong with your heart, the only options were calling 911, driving to an emergency room or getting an ECG at the hospital. All these options could take too long to implement and be too much of a hassle.
Then came the ECG smart watch and the world of heart monitoring changed forever. Rather than be hooked to a system that would take so long to get any readings, if they caught any at all, this device can automatically take an ECG when you put your finger on the watch’s crown.
For E-commerce sellers and OEM customers, understanding how this tech works is key to attracting potential buyers. Here’s everything you need to know about the ECG Smart Watch.
What Is an ECG Smart Watch?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) smartwatch is a sophisticated wearable focused on monitoring electrical activity in the heart directly from the wrist. This might be shocking to many people who expected that heart rate readings should be taken directly with a stethoscope placed around the ribcage by a professional. Well, technology has taken us a step further from those times. The traditional heart rate monitor measures pulse indirectly but ECG smartwatches capture electrical signals that can give proper insight into cardiac functions.
It’s easy to mix this up with the typical heart rate sensors in smart watches that use photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. However, they are completely different. PPG uses green LED lights to detect changes in blood flow around the wrist. This is great for measuring general heart rate during activities, but much less accurate compared to ECG technology.
One of the biggest benefits of the ECG smartwatch is the ability to detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm which is easy for any individual to overlook. This detection could lead to the discovery of more serious health issues at early stages. Interestingly, some ECG smart watches include features to record and store the readings, so users can monitor the trend analysis over time.
How ECG Smartwatches Work
ECG-enabled watches help people check their heart rhythm. They do this by measuring the electrical signals from the heart. These watches have two sensors: one sensor touches your wrist, and the other sensor is a button or metal part that you touch with your other hand. When you touch both, the watch complete an electrical circuit that allows the device to detect and record the heart’s electrical signals.
When an ECG reading is initiated, the smartwatch records the heart’s electrical activity in as little as 30 seconds. The user has to remain still while in contact with the electrode for accuracy. The smartwatch captures electrical impulses generated by the heart and translates them into a waveform that interprets the strength and timing of each heartbeat. As soon as an irregular pattern, like AFib (atrial fibrillation), is detected, the device notifies the user and recommends medical attention.
Are ECG Smartwatches Useful?
In ECG smartwatches, the process captures a single-lead ECG which is quite different from the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram used in clinical settings. This is good for spotting some issues, but it is not as detailed as what doctors use.
Now, does this mean that single electrode ECG sensor is not useful because it’s a far cry from the 12-lead ECG used by doctors? No. Sure, it doesn’t provide the comprehensive view of a full ECG. However, this is just enough to detect certain arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation which can forestall terrible scenarios. And this is great for consistent health monitoring, which is a key factor of long-term fitness and wellness.
Many popular brands like Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, and Withings offer ECG smartwatches with ability to monitor user’s heart rhythm conveniently. While they can provide valuable insights, they should not replace professional medical evaluations. Also, the watch cannot check your heart all the time. You must start the check yourself and it may miss problems that happen at other times. Always consult with a healthcare provider for concerns about heart health.
How ECG Technology Works in Some Top Smartwatches
The Polar H10
Since the release of the first model in January 2017, the Polar H10 has held its own as one of the top choices for anyone looking for a serious heart rate monitor. The heart rate monitor is mounted on a chest strap and can be used regularly by athletes without interference with physical activities.
With an accuracy rate of up to 99.5%, it is better than wrist-worn devices that rely on optical sensors. It is one of the best examples of accurate devices powered by ECG technology to monitor heart rate and build overall wellness. Chest straps like this are certainly more popular among serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts that believe super reliable results are a big deal.
While the Polar H10 uses ECG technology to measure heart rate, it does not provide full ECG waveforms or diagnostic capabilities. It is primarily designed for heart rate monitoring rather than detailed ECG analysis.
Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is top of the line when it comes to devices in the Fitbit lineup with top-notch sensors. It tracks everything from sleep and temperature to blood oxygen levels and stress. Even better, it includes an FDA-cleared ECG app that allows users to record a single-lead ECG and assess for signs of AFib. However, the Fitbit Sense can’t detect cardiac conditions like heart attacks just yet.
To take an ECG, users place their fingers on the corners of the watch while remaining still. The reading takes about 30 seconds, after which the results are displayed on the watch and can be synced to the Fitbit app.
Also, the Fitbit Sense uses sweat data from the electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor which helps determine stress levels. This method differs from heart rate variability-based stress tracking found in some other devices. Overall, the Fitbit Sense is incredibly accurate in its heart rate tracking when compared to chest straps, and there’s that extra level of convenience.
Apple Watch Series
The Apple Watch Series, from Series 4 all through to 10, and the Ultra 1 and 2 all have ECG functionality. The censors are built into the ceramic heart rate monitor at the crown and under the watch. All users have to do to get a reading is turn on the ECG app and pop a finger on the crown. The Apple Health app also logs in an EKG graph of the heart rate that can easily be shared with medical personnel.
The ECG feature received FDA clearance in 2018, making the Apple Watch one of the first consumer devices with such approval. It also has the clearance for its ECG in the European Economic Area, including more than 20 countries with access to the health feature.
The Apple Watch is a great example of just how effective single lead ECGs can be. They are of great value as they can detect abnormal rhythm that is a precursor to several heart ailments including stroke. But please note that the ECG app cannot detect heart attacks or other conditions beyond AFib and sinus rhythm.
Benefits of Using an ECG Smart Watch
- Early detection of arrhythmias and AFib
- Continuous heart health monitoring at your wrist
- Peace of mind for heart-conscious users
Why ECG Smartwatches are a Smart Investment for Your Store
Take advantage of a rapidly expanding market
According to experts, the global smartwatch market could expand to as high as 71 billion dollars by 2030, and there’s no doubt that this is quite huge. This rapid expansion is driven mostly by the increasing consumer demand for health-focused features, especially ECG-enabled devices. So, you can tap into this growing market segment.
Higher Average Order Value (AOV) and Profit Margins
ECG-enabled smartwatches are typically more expensive than standard fitness trackers or basic wearables. This shouldn’t come as a shock since they offer so much more and there’s nothing like a device that can take your heart readings from the comfort of your home. This premium pricing is thanks to features like atrial fibrillation detection, and that translates to increased profit margins.
Stronger product differentiation in a competitive market
Stand out from competitors in the saturated wearable tech market by offering a much different product lineup. You get to stay ahead of the pack with devices that have medical-grade features, integration with top health apps and FDA approvals. This will easily attract customers seeking these specialized products and position your store as a leader in this industry. With this in your inventory, you can enhance your store’s customer base, profitability and reputation.
Top Features To Look For in an ECG Smart Watch
FDA approval and medical certification
FDA-approval is a big deal for many smartwatch users, specially those that prioritize ECG technology. This gives that extra layer of trust that it’s approved by professionals within the field. Therefore, it’s best to look out for smartwatches with FDA approval or clearance. The certification shows that the device has gone through rigorous testing and meets the necessary standards for safety and accuracy.
Apple is a powerful brand, and they have cemented their place in the smartwatch market with their Apple Watch Series 4 through Series 10 and Ultra models that all have FDA approval for their ECG functionality. This is the same with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Series with ECG features that have the certifications to give users extra confidence in this functionality.
Ease of use and display readability
Using an ECG smartwatch shouldn’t feel like rocket science. With a user-friendly interface and clear display, you’re miles ahead of the market since this helps users utilize the ECG features effectively. So, users always look out for that high-resolution screen and intuitive navigation to help access and interpret their health data easily.
Data sync with mobile health apps
Users want to store, track and share their health information with their medical doctors seamlessly. This is possible when the data syncs easily with mobile apps for the ECG smartwatches. This is one reason the Apple Health app stands out. There is that connection between the app and the Apple Watch that ensures users don’t have to jump through hoops to monitor and compile comprehensive health records.
Conclusion
The ECG smartwatch market is a great opportunity for wholesalers and retailers to meet the growing demand for this type of wearable technology. Thousands of people are starting to pay more attention to personal health monitoring, especially devices that offer ECG technology, and you don’t want to be left out of this train. Contact us to explore wholesale options or OEM partnerships for ECG-enabled smartwatches tailored to your brand.
