After a long-awaited release, ECG capability from Garmin is finally available in Australia with select Garmin watches, including the recent Fenix 8. The ECG App allows users to detect their heart rhythms i.e. if they are fine or if there are any signs of atrial fibrillation. The app records a 30-second ECG that can be seen immediately on the watch or saved for viewing/comparisons later on in the Garmin Connect app. ECG capabilities have been mostly exclusive to america but with recent regulatory authorisations in the European Union and Australia, this tried and tested software is ready to be used on your watch.
“The ECG App is Garmin’s first smartwatch feature categorized as a medical device in Australia and the European Union, and we are thrilled to offer this revolutionary tool to more customers as another way to stay on top of their health. During the early stages of Afib, it’s common for symptoms to be infrequent, making it difficult to detect in a clinical setting. With the ECG App, customers can conveniently take an ECG recording when they want and optionally create a report of their results to share with their doctor later.”
—Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
What is ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an approved and tested method to examine Atrial Fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rate. Common symptoms include rapid heartbeats and skipped heartbeats, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness etc. Once the 30-second ECG process is started, it uses the sensors on compatible watches to record the electrical signals that control how the heart beats. Once it is completed, it can be exported and directly sent to your local medical centre for any required checkups and concerns.
Which Watches Have ECG?
To be ECG capable, watches must have a Generation 5 heart rate sensor.
Edit: This post previously listed the Fenix 7 Pro and Epxi Gen 2 Pro as ECG Ready, which is not the case. Garmin has not listed these models as compatible.

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