The Apple Watch Series 8 can detect a lot of things, but can it detect heart attacks? Here’s what you need to know about heart attack detection on the Series 8 model.
The Apple Watch Series 8 cannot detect heart attacks
As of 2022, none of the released Apple Watch models can detect heart attacks, including the Series 8. In fact, there are no smartwatches on the market that can alert you to a cardiac event as massive as a heart attack. While the hardware may be capable of detecting it, the wearable doesn’t notify you or allow you to view the relevant data revolving around this particular matter. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, contact emergency services as soon as possible.
However, the Apple Watch Series 8 can monitor your heart rate and notify you when it’s too high or low. Additionally, it can alert you if it detects signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Nonetheless, the iPhone maker advises customers not to depend on the Apple Watch as a medical device. If you believe you have a heart-related condition, seek a cardiologist immediately.
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers great features such as an Always-On display fast charging, and low power mode.
In addition, the Apple Watch Series 8 carries all of the normal heavy lifting for the health sensors on the Series 8 as the Series 7. That means you’re still getting blood oxygen monitoring, one of the best heart rate monitors on the market and electrocardiogram (ECG) support. As you’d expect, all of these features work great, with solid accuracy and plenty of detail. You still can’t use the Apple Watch as a medical device, mind you, so keep in mind that data from these sensors should only be used for reference and sharing with medical professionals if you’re concerned about your health.
See also: Can the Apple Watch Series 8 measure blood pressure?
What’s perhaps the biggest new feature associated with the Apple Watch Series 8 is temperature sensing, thanks to a new sensor located at the bottom of the watch. The marquee way temperature sensing is used is in cycle tracking, which lets you see a retrospective chart of when you likely ovulated, which helps in family planning. You also get improved period predictions as well as notifications if your data shows a possible cycle deviation. All of this data is stored securely on your iPhone and can’t be accessed by anybody you don’t explicitly share it with, such as your doctor or health care provider.
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