Yes! The Forerunner 970 is actually the first Forerunner to include ECG capability. This was previously only available on watches like the Venu 3 and Fenix series.
What it does:
The ECG app checks for atrial fibrillation (AFib). That's an irregular heart rhythm that can increase stroke risk. It can also confirm normal sinus rhythm when everything's working properly. It's not a full medical diagnostic, but it's a useful screening tool.
How to set it up:
You'll need to do this through the Garmin Connect app on your phone first:
- Go to your device settings
- Look for "Finish Setup" or "Set Up ECG App"
- Follow the prompts
Taking a reading is pretty simple:
- Sit down and rest your arm on a table
- Make sure the watch is snug on your wrist
- Open the ECG app on the watch
- Rest your thumb and finger on the metal bezel
- Stay still for 30 seconds
That's it. Your results sync to Garmin Connect where you can see the full waveform and even export a PDF to show your doctor.
A few things to know:
The app won't work if your heart rate is above 120 or below 50 BPM. You'll just get an "inconclusive" result. Makes sense, since it's designed for resting readings.
Water, sweat, cold skin, and movement can all mess with the reading. And if you have hairy wrists, you might have trouble getting a clean signal.
The feature isn't available everywhere due to medical regulations, but it works in the US. If you can't find the ECG app after setup, a factory reset (without restoring backup) usually fixes it.
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Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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