Garmin released Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches in May 2023. The Pro series comes with the Pro Solar range and the Pro Sapphire Solar range of Fenix 7 smartwatches.
Introduction
It was expected that Fenix 7 Pro watches would come with an ECG app for taking on-demand electrocardiograms. At the time of launch, the Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches did not have Garmin ECG support.
However, beginning October 2023, Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches do support the ECG app. The ECG feature becomes a part of the Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches as we write this. You should be able to take on-the-spot electrocardiogram readings using Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches.
It may be pertinent to mention that the Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches use the next-generation optical heart sensor. So, the capability to take ECG readings is in-built into the physical device of Fenix 7 Pro.
Fenix 7 Pro series is an advanced smartwatch. Therefore, the ECG app introduction on Fenix 7 Pro may have happened after rigorous testing and data analysis.
In the image below, you can see that the Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches have a pretty dominant set of sensors to take accurate wrist-based readings for health features.
ECG App on Garmin watches
Garmin received FDA approval for its ECG app. Back in January 2023, Garmin announced that it received FDA approval for the ECG app. You can read the press statement released by Garmin about the ECG app and FDA approval.
Subsequently, the ECG app was added to the Garmin Venu 2 Plus smartwatch. Subsequently, the Garmin ECG app was rolled out to the Venu 3 series smartwatches, Epix 2 Pro series and Fenix 7 Pro series smartwatches.
We would like to add that the Garmin ECG app may not be used for diagnostic purposes. It does not in any way substitute expert medical advice for underlying heart conditions.
What does the Garmin ECG app do?
Garmin ECG app will take 30-second electrocardiograms. These electrocardiograms will record your heart rhythm and record the heartbeat. The optical heart sensor at the back of the watch is used to take spot electrocardiogram readings.
The data collected by the sensors is shared with the ECG app. The ECG app will analyze the heart rhythm and display the heart rhythm results immediately.
Alternatively, you can use the Garmin Connect app to check the heart rhythm report. However, the data in the Garmin Connect app is not made available instantaneously. There is a slight delay before the Garmin Connect app offers the analyzed heart rhythm data.
In which countries is the Garmin ECG app available?
The Garmin ECG app is available in the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This is as of filing this report in November 2023.
Garmin is looking to expand the ECG functionality to other devices and smartwatches within the United States. At the same time, it is striving to extend the ECG feature in multiple countries.
For now, the feature is limited to Garmin Venu 2 Plus, Venu 3, Venu 3S, Fenix 7 Pro, and Epix 2 Pro smartwatches.
Atrial Fibrillation and ECG apps
The Garmin ECG app will record a 30-second electrocardiogram. It will share the ECG with the ECG app for further rendering and analysis.
The Garmin ECG app is expected to detect conditions of irregular heart rhythm or Atrial Fibrillation. We know that Apple watches have had the ECG feature since the 4th generation Apple series watch.
Apple watches are considered very reliable in detecting health conditions of Atrial Fibrillation.
The Garmin ECG app is currently limited to the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, Venu 3, Epix 2 Pro, and Fenix 7 Pro watches only.
FDA approval for Garmin ECG app
You can see the FDA approval for 510(K) Premarket Notification filed by Garmin for the Garmin ECG app. The original request was filed by Garmin in June 2022. It received approval on 12th January 2023.
On 24th January 2023, Garmin announced that it was rolling out the feature to the Venu 2 Plus smartwatches.
The FDA approval for 510(K) Premarket Notification is available on this page.
Can Garmin ECG app share ECG reports?
Yes, you can share the ECG reports with a doctor. For this, however, you will need to sync the electrocardiogram readings taken by the ECG app with the Garmin Connect app.
Basically, the ECG report will sync with the Garmin Connect app.
The Garmin Connect app can share the ECG report with the doctor or any other person you wish to share the report with.
About Garmin Connect app
Garmin Connect app is a phone app developed by Garmin. It forms an interface between your smartwatch and the Garmin software.
Garmin Connect app is available for Android phones and iPhones alike.
- It is compatible with the Android 7 operating system or a higher version of the Android operating system.
- Garmin Connect is also compatible with Apple devices running iOS version 15 or higher.
Helen Kurt is a geeky nerd who loves to cover the wearables space. She has over 5 years of experience in the smartwatch domain. You can reach her on email at [email protected].