At last! Garmin smartwatch ECG tracking is now live for a number of existing models

Garmin is finally rolling out a big update for its GPS watches, which finally adds ECG monitoring to the brand's range of best Garmin MTB smartwatches and their built-in health-tracking tools. This long-anticipated function will see Garmin catch up with one of the most usable Apple Watch features, and until now the ECG app has only been available for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. It will now feature on other smartwatch models including the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, Epix Pro, and Venu 3.

Back in January, we reported that a new Garmin update would be bringing ECG to Garmin smartwatches, having had their app and software approved by the FDA. However, for reasons undisclosed it seems to have been delayed until now. For those unclear Electrocardiogram (ECG) recording is seen as an important tool to have in detecting signs of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) or AFib, which is a cause of strokes and heart issues. With ECG recording you can be alerted if you show signs of the condition with your updated device now being able to identify irregular heart rate rhythms.

Garmin announced the update the ECG app update and how it works over on X (formerly Twitter). It will take a 30-second recording of your pulse and look for signs of an irregular heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation. Garmin also points out that the app and your Garmin watch aren't medical devices, so can't be used to diagnose or treat health conditions, but any usual readings picked up could be a useful starting point for a conversation with your doctor. Though the technology can't detect signs of a heart attack, blood clots or stroke.

Annoyingly, the app is currently only available in the US, Hong Kong, and Vietnam which seems to be down to Garmin getting approval in other territories like Europe and the UK, hopefully, this will be sooner rather than later.