No, the Apple Watch won't automatically call 911 if your heart stops because it can't detect a complete cessation of heartbeat, but it can trigger calls via Fall Detection if you fall and remain motionless, or through irregular heart rhythm alerts (like AFib) that might precede an event, or if you manually activate Emergency SOS after a collapse. For true heart stoppage (asystole) or heart attacks (myocardial infarction), it relies on manual activation or other features like Fall Detection kicking in after a fall and immobility, not just the lack of a pulse.
Do one of the following: Start an emergency call: Press and hold the side button until the sliders appear, then drag the Emergency Call slider to the right. Your Apple Watch calls the emergency services in your region—for example, 911.
If you need emergency services, drag the Emergency Call slider to the right. Your Apple Watch makes the call to emergency services and you can speak to a responder. If you don't need emergency services and the call has been made, don't hang up. Wait until a responder answers, then explain that you don't need help.
Frequent ectopic beats may indicate an underlying heart issue and should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. Smartwatches like Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Samsung watches can help monitor and visualize ectopic beats. This articles provides visual examples of irregular heartbeats on watch ECGs.
When a hard fall is detected: If Fall Detection is turned on and you have been immobile for about a minute, Apple Watch automatically attempts to call emergency services. See Manage Fall Detection.
: Even though Apple Watch can send alerts for irregular heart rhythms, it won't initiate an emergency call on its own if your heart stops or slows to dangerous levels.
Cardiologists have mixed views: they see the Apple Watch as a useful tool for increasing heart health awareness and monitoring known conditions (like AFib) when used with a doctor, but many caution against using it for self-screening in healthy people due to high false positives and anxiety, emphasizing it's not a replacement for clinical devices or physician expertise. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) offers guidance, suggesting it's best for general wellness or managing existing issues, not primary screening, and continuous monitors are better for urgent needs.
Heart rate while sleeping is measured overnight, while resting heart rate is taken when you're awake but calm. People often wonder, “why is my sleeping heart rate higher than resting?” The answer may be late meals, alcohol, stress, or disrupted sleep stages, all of which can elevate your heart rate during sleep.
You can wear Apple Watch to bed and track breathing disturbances while you're sleeping. These measurements can be used in an algorithm to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea (available on supported models; not available in all countries or regions*).
Heart palpitations are a feeling like your heart is missing heartbeats, racing or pounding. You can feel palpitations in your chest, throat or neck. Palpitations can happen at any time, even if you're resting or doing normal activities.
If your Apple Watch detects that you're moving, it waits for you to respond to the alert and won't automatically call emergency services. If your watch detects that you've been immobile for about a minute, it will make the call automatically.
Yes, 112 works in Australia as an alternative emergency number, redirecting to the primary service, Triple Zero (000), but it only works on digital mobile phones and requires some form of network coverage (even another provider's) to connect, just like 000. There's no advantage to using 112 over 000, as both go to the same call center, but 112 can be helpful if you have no signal with your provider as it can roam onto other networks.
Medical alert watches and the Apple Watch call 911 when you fall, though the Apple Watch only calls after hard falls. Medical alert watches call after hard and soft falls.
Apple Watch cannot detect a heart attack or stroke. If you ever experience chest pain, pressure, tightness, or what you think is a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Apple Watch only checks for signs of atrial fibrillation periodically.
Emergency SOS via satellite is free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later (all models).
The pooled sensitivity and specificity of Apple Watch ECG for detecting AF were 94.8% (95% CI: 91.7% to 96.8%) and 95% (95% CI: 88.6% to 97.8%), respectively.
There are a few things your Apple Watch can't do: It won't alert you to dangerously low oxygen levels. It doesn't track oxygen continuously 24/7. It's not approved by the FDA.
The sensitivity was 66.3% (95% CI: 62.2% to 70.3%), and the specificity was 98.5% (95% CI: 98.0% to 99.0%), demonstrating that the feature meets the design objectives to confidently identify sleep apnea while minimizing false positives.
During sleep, it's normal for a person's heart rate to drops below your daytime resting heart rate as your body enters a state of rest and recovery. For most healthy adults, a normal sleeping heart rate ranges from 40 to 60 bpm, though it can vary based on age, fitness level, and overall health.
With each apnea heart rate decreases. During the apnea we do see a relative bradycardia. After the end of the apnea, when respiration reconstitutes a relative tachycardia is observed. Blood pressure decreases during the apnea and increases near the end of the apnea as the sympathetic tone increases.
If you have a pulse rate that is less than 60bpm and have any symptoms, see your doctor.
If you receive a notification, the irregular rhythm notification feature on your Apple Watch identified an irregular rhythm suggestive of AFib and confirmed it with multiple readings. If you have not been diagnosed with AFib by a physician, you should talk to your doctor.
The ECG app determines the presence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or sinus rhythm on a classifiable waveform. The ECG app is not recommended for users with other known arrhythmias. The ECG app is intended for over-the-counter (OTC) use. The ECG data displayed by the ECG app is intended for informational use only.
Knowing you have heart problems involves recognizing symptoms like chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and pain in your arms, back, neck, or jaw, which signal potential issues like a heart attack or heart failure, but also less obvious signs like swelling, sweating, nausea, or indigestion, requiring immediate medical attention for sudden or worsening symptoms. Don't ignore symptoms, especially if they're new or severe, and see a doctor for persistent issues like swollen ankles or leg pain during walking.