1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
TechnologyGlobal issues

How reliable are ECG functions in smartwatches?

04:14

This browser does not support the video element.

Patricia Metz
November 24, 2025

Smartwatches record heart rate and ECGs — but how accurate are they? Two users test wearables against a medical electrocardiogram to see if watches can detect arrhythmias and support heart health. A cardiologist explains the limits.

How reliable are smartwatches for heart monitoring? Ambitious runners Florian and Leo want to find out for sure — and compare the ECG function of their fitness trackers with a professional electrocardiogram performed by a cardiologist.

Can the watches actually detect cardiac arrhythmias? And how useful are they for preventive health care? Cardiologist Dr. Jürgen Fritsch evaluates the results and explains why a medical examination remains indispensable for accurate health diagnoses despite modern technology.

Patricia Metz In good shape
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW