World Heart Day: New Apple Watch S8 features to help users track cardio health

Across the world, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of mortality, healthcare experts have said. An estimated 17.9 million people perished due to CVDs in 2019, contributing to 32 per cent of deaths globally.

Out of all the people who died from CVD, 85 per cent suffered a stroke and heart attack. Further, a quarter of these CVD deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Tech companies, including Apple Inc., have been using actionable and science-based insights to empower consumers to learn about and take control of their health. Devices like the Apple Watch and the iPhone offer personal health and fitness features that offer actionable, science-based insights.

"Apple Watch offers an extensive set of features focused on heart health. Over time, Apple Watch has alerted users worldwide of potential signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and helped many more establish everyday habits to keep their heart healthy over the long term," said the company.

The latest Apple Watch S8 has added new safety features and a temperature sensor for intriguing uses for women's health and family planning. However, some exciting features that those with poor heart health can use with the Apple Watch.

1. High and low heart rate notifications

Apple Watch checks for unusually high or low heart rates in the background, which could be signs of a severe underlying condition. It could help users identify situations that may warrant further evaluation.

If a user's heart rate is above 120 bpm or below 40 bpm while appearing inactive for 10 minutes, they will receive a notification. Users can adjust the threshold bpm or turn these notifications on or off. All heart rate notifications — along with the date, time, and heart rate — can be viewed on the iPhone Health app.

2. Irregular rhythm notifications

The irregular rhythm notification feature on the Apple Watch will occasionally look at the heartbeat to check for an irregular rhythm that might be suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The irregular rhythm notifications use the optical heart sensor to detect the pulse wave at the wrist and look for variability in beat‑to‑beat intervals when the user is at rest. Suppose the algorithm repeatedly detects an irregular rhythm suggestive of AFib. In that case, users will receive a notification and the date, time, and beat‑to‑beat heart rate will be recorded in the Health app.

AFib is a type of irregular heart rhythm where the heart's upper chambers beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Some individuals with AFib do not experience any symptoms. Others experience symptoms that could include rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath, and Apple sad in a press release.

3. ECG app

With the ECG app, users who experience symptoms, such as rapid or skipped heartbeat, can capture an ECG and record their symptoms. The ECG app uses the electrical heart sensor built into the Digital Crown and the back crystal to record a single-lead ECG.

The ECG app then provides a result of sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, high heart rate, inconclusive, or poor recording. It prompts the user to enter symptoms such as rapid or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, or fatigue.