What Does Poor Recording Mean on an Apple Watch ECG?

QALY Team
Poor recoring on Apple Watch

Key Takeaways

  • An poor reading on an Apple smartwatch ECG isn't usually a cause for concern.
  • Movement is the most common cause of poor signal quality and a poor recording when taking an ECG with your Apple Watch.

If you've been frustrated with getting a "Poor Recording" result, or seeing many artifacts or noise in your electrocardiogram (ECG) with your Apple Watch, then don't worry, you're not alone. In this blog post, we'll share some tips to help you get a better result from your ECG on your Apple Watch, especially if you've been experiencing poor signal quality, artifacts, or noise in your recordings.

Understanding Poor Recording Results

When you try to take an ECG with your Apple Watch, and the result is classified as "Poor Recording," it means that the ECG wasn't able to be properly assessed due to low signal quality. It's like trying to watch your favorite show when the reception is fuzzy - you can't see or hear it properly, and it's frustrating! So, let's see what we can do to improve the signal quality of your ECG.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Here are some tips to help you get a better ECG result from your Apple Watch:

1. Get comfortable and relax

Taking an ECG doesn't have to be stressful. Sit down, relax and take some deep breaths. Place your arms on a table or in your lap to minimize movement. This will help you get a better result from your ECG.

2. Make sure your Apple Watch fits snuggly

Ensure that your Apple Watch is snug on your wrist, and the back of the watch is touching your skin. If your watch is loose, it can result in a poor recording.

3. Keep your wrist and Apple Watch clean and dry

Water and sweat can interfere with the signal quality of your ECG. So, keep your wrist and the back of your watch clean and dry before taking an ECG.

4. Check the wrist orientation setting

Double-check that your Apple Watch is on the wrist you selected in Settings. You don't want to miss out on a happy heart because of a simple setting!

5. Stay away from electronics

Try to avoid electronic devices that are plugged into an outlet, as these can cause electrical interference and result in a poor signal quality.

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