How to Measure ECG with Galaxy Watch Active2 and Watch3

Last Update date : Jul 22. 2022

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2/Galaxy Watch3 can be used to take Electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. Find out how you can first set it up using your Galaxy smartphone and measure subsequent readings with your watch.

Before you try out the recommendations below, be sure to check that your watch and phone's software and related apps are updated to the latest versions. 

What is the ECG app for?

An Electrocardiogram – also called an ECG or EKG – is a record of the heart’s electrical activity. The ECG App uses your Galaxy watch to record and analyze your heart rhythm for the presence of Atrial Fibrillation, a type of irregular heart rhythm. It uses this recording to determine your heart rate and if your upper and lower heart chambers are beating in sync. You can view your ECG reports in the Samsung Health Monitor App on your Galaxy phone. 

Step-by-step setup video

View this step-by-step video below on how to measure ECG with your Galaxy Watch Active2 or Watch3:

Watch3 measure ECG Watch3 measure ECG

Note:

  • Do not use ECG app if you experience:
    - Shortness of breath
    - Chest tightness or pain
    - Fainting
    - What you think might be a heart attack 
  • Do not use ECG app if you have an implanted pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillator, or other implanted electronic devices.
  • ECG app never looks for signs of a heart attack.
  • ECG app never looks for forms of arrhythmia other than Atrial Fibrillation.
  • It never looks for other heart-related conditions, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, blood clots or a stroke.
  • Do not change your medications or dosage based on ECG results. Always speak with your doctor first.

Required devices

In order to take an ECG reading. You will require the following devices:

1. Either a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 or Galaxy Watch3.

2. A Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Can ECG be measured only with your watch?

The first ECG setup process requires you to use the Samsung Health Monitor app through your Galaxy smartphone. However, subsequent measurements can only be made with your Galaxy Watch Active2 or Watch3. Measured ECG records are temporarily saved to your watch and can synced with the Samsung Health Monitor app on your smartphone. 

Getting more accurate ECG readings

Take note of these pointers for the the most accurate measurement:

  • For at least 5 minutes before measurement, try to stay still and not move around or talk while sitting at a waist-backed chair. 
  • Keep your legs flat on the floor without crossing them while taking measurements. 
  • While measuring, keep your wrist position with the watch constant. 
  • Do not talk, yawn and move while taking measurements.
  • Make sure sensor is clean and the watch is snug on your wrist.
  • If the watch's strap is not tight enough to fit the wrist, it may not be measured.

Note: 

The ECG function of Samsung Health Monitor is not available for users under the following conditions:

  • Users under 22 years of age Pregnancy Arrhythmia other than A-fib Neurological disorder.
  • Users who have an implanted pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillator, or other implanted electronic devices. 
  • Users with Arrhythmia, prior heart failure or heart attack, Peripheral vascular disease or compromised circulation, Valvular disease (diseases concerning the aortic valve), Cardiomyopathy.
  • Users with other known cardiovascular diseases, End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Diabetes Neurological disorder (for example, tremors), Clotting disorder or you are taking prescribed blood thinners, tattoo(s) on the wrist where you wear the watch on.

Note: 

The above-mentioned Galaxy Watches are certified for Blood pressure (BP) and Electrocardiography (ECG) under HSA (Health Science Authority) in Singapore as a medical application.

The Samsung Health Monitor is the mobile-device medical application intended for use with compatible Samsung wearable devices and compatible Samsung Galaxy phones to create, record, store and display bio-signal.

If you have any existing medical condition or risk factors e.g. heart, high BP, etc., please consult a qualified healthcare professional before commencing any BP and ECG activities.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung phones, tablets, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app.

This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the 'How to use the Samsung Members app'.

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