Apple's highly anticipated heart monitoring feature is finally available for the Apple Watch

Apple Watch heart monitor ECG app included in WatchOS 5.1.2 update - Business Insider Hollis Johnson/Business Insider Starting on Thursday, the latest Apple Watch models will be able to take an electrocardiogram reading, a kind of heart-rate reading that doctors can use to diagnose heart conditions To activate the feature, you need the Apple Watch Series 4 and the latest version of WatchOS, which will be available for download on Thursday Apple made it easy to access the feature: turn on the app, hold your finger on the device's crown for 30 seconds, and it will provide a heart rhythm reading that you can use to figure out whether you need to contact your doctor to get your heart checked out.

Apple also announced another heart health feature for Apple Watch: Now, it can notify you if your heart rate may be irregular, a condition known as atrial fibrillation The AFib feature doesn't require the latest Apple Watch, and it checks your heart rate every few hours It's important to note that neither of these new features can replace a doctor - they can simply encourage you to go visit or get in touch with your physician.

Apple first announced these features when it revealed the Apple Watch Series 4 at a launch event in September. . Source