Garmin has officially expanded its ECG (electrocardiogram) app availability to New Zealand, enabling users of compatible smartwatches to monitor their heart rhythms directly from their wrists. This development is a significant advancement for health-conscious Kiwis, offering on-demand ECG readings to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or confirm a normal sinus rhythm
What Is the Garmin ECG App?
The Garmin ECG app allows users to perform a 30-second, on-demand heart rhythm assessment by placing their fingers on the watch bezel. The app then analyzes the electrical signals to determine if the heart rhythm is normal or indicative of AFib. After the test, users can export a PDF report to share with healthcare providers. It's important to note that this feature is intended for informational purposes and does not detect heart attacks.
New Zealand Availability
With the recent expansion, New Zealand joins the list of countries where the Garmin ECG app is officially available. This means that users in New Zealand can now access the ECG feature without the need for workarounds or location spoofing. To activate the ECG app:
- Ensure your compatible Garmin watch has the latest firmware installed.
- Update the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone to the latest version.
- Open the Garmin Connect app and follow the prompts to set up the ECG feature
Once activated, the ECG app will be accessible directly from your watch's menu.
🛠️ Setup Tips and Considerations
Before setting up the ECG app, ensure that your Garmin account is set to New Zealand, and your device's location settings are accurate. It's also important to note that the ECG feature requires manual initiation; it does not run continuously in the background. Additionally, users participating in Garmin's beta software program may need to revert to the latest stable firmware version to access the ECG functionality.
❤️ A Win for Kiwi Users
The availability of the ECG app in New Zealand represents a significant enhancement for Garmin users seeking advanced health monitoring features. By providing accessible and reliable heart rhythm assessments, Garmin empowers users to take proactive steps in managing their cardiovascular health.
For more information and support, visit Garmin's official ECG App Region Compatibility page.
