The Apple Watch ECG sensor can be used to predict stress
Amazingly, the single lead ECG on the Apple Watch compares favorably to the 12 lead ECG used by hospitals. Apple says, “The ability of the ECG app to accurately classify an ECG recording into AFib and sinus rhythm was tested in a clinical trial of approximately 600 subjects, and demonstrated 99.6% specificity with respect to sinus rhythm classification and 98.3% sensitivity for AFib classification for the classifiable results.”
Survey shows that the ECG on the Apple Watch could be used to predict stress
A recent study was conducted-the first of its kind-to see how well the ECG sensor on the Apple Watch can measure stress. Those taking part in the study were each given an iPhone 7 with iOS 15 installed and an Apple Watch Series 6 (which has the ECG sensor and watchOS 8.3 installed). The participants were given the devices for two weeks and were told to collect data six times a day, every three hours.
The researchers wrote, “In general, the ‘stress’ models had a high level of precision but lower recall. The ‘no stress’ models performed generally well with a recall typically above 60%. Considering the ultra-short duration of the ECG measurements performed here compared to the standard, as well as the nature of real-life measurements, the results presented were quite promising.”
Many wearables offer stress monitoring, even the low-priced Xiaomi Smart Band 7
The researchers also believe that the ECG sensor on the Apple Watch, combined with the sleep monitoring feature on the timepiece, and its ability to track physical activity, could be developed into an accurate tool to predict higher stress levels. And Apple Watch users could take a notification of an impending rise in their stress levels to get help early enough before their mental health deteriorates further.
The woman was taken to the closest emergency room where she underwent surgery. Her son said, “The NHS (National Health Service) specialists that looked after her said that if it wasn’t for the Apple Watch, there’s a high probability she wouldn’t have made it through the rest of the day.”
