The Apple’s Watch’s irregular heart rhythm notification feature has now been approved in Australia, indicating that the ECG feature could be soon to follow.
Per documents seen by EFTM, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration show that the smartwatch’s irregular rhythm notifications has now been approved and added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. While this doesn’t mean that the ECG function has been medically certified for use in Australia, it shows that Apple has begun submitting its devices and software to Australian regulatory authorities for approval.
The irregular rhythm notification feature intermittently checks the user’s heart rhythm in the background and sends a notification if an irregular heart rhythm is identified that could potentially be atrial fibrillation (AFib). Upon receiving a notification, users in territories where the feature is approved can immediately launch the ECG app and perform a more comprehensive test in just 30 seconds by placing their finger on the Digital Crown to generate an ECG waveform.
Atrial fibrillation is a health condition which often goes undiagnosed, so ECG app and heart rhythm alerts on the Apple Watch can be used for detecting early signs of the disease. Until recently, ECG readings have generally required a full ECG machine and a visit to the doctor.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.