# How does ECG/heart monitoring compare between Apple Watch Series 11 and Galaxy Watch 7?

> Understanding heart health features on both smartwatches

*Published: 2026-03-20 | Updated: 2026-03-20 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/apple-watch-series-11-vs-galaxy-watch-7-ecg-heart-monitoring*

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## Product: Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS + Cellular 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case w Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
**Brand:** Apple

Both watches offer FDA-cleared ECG functionality and comprehensive heart monitoring.

### How ECG Works

ECG (electrocardiogram) measures your heart's electrical activity. Both watches detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular rhythm that increases stroke risk.

**Taking an ECG:**
- **[Apple Watch Series 11](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQF9ZX7P?tag=shopsavvy00-20):** Open ECG app, place finger on Digital Crown, wait 30 seconds
- **[Galaxy Watch 7](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1YP3H4N?tag=shopsavvy00-20):** Open Samsung Health, touch side buttons, wait 30 seconds

Results: Normal sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, inconclusive, or poor recording.

### Apple Watch Series 11 Heart Features

- On-demand ECG readings
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Irregular rhythm notifications (background AFib detection)
- High and low heart rate alerts
- VO2 max estimates
- **New:** Hypertension alerts (blood pressure trends over 30 days)

### Galaxy Watch 7 Heart Features

- On-demand ECG readings
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Heart rate alerts
- Blood pressure readings (requires cuff calibration)
- **Coming:** Vascular load metric

### Key Differences

**Blood Pressure:**
- Apple detects hypertension patterns passively over time
- Samsung provides actual readings but requires regular calibration

### Limitations

**Both watches cannot detect:**
- Heart attacks
- Blood clots
- Strokes
- Other cardiac conditions

A "normal" ECG means no detectable AFib right now. These are screening tools, not comprehensive heart monitors. Regular doctor visits are still necessary.

**Bottom line:** Both watches have excellent, potentially life-saving heart monitoring. Apple's passive monitoring is more convenient. Samsung's blood pressure readings are more detailed.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*