Garmin is rolling out a "revolutionary" update to some of its wearables that will help them keep pace with Samsung's Galaxy Watch and the Apple Watch. It's just been confirmed that UK owners of Garmin watches - including Venu 3 Series and fēnix 8 Series - will finally get access to the life-saving ECG app on their devices.

It's a vital change that can reveal health issues which may have gone unnoticed. For those not aware, this technology is able to take an electrocardiogram right from the wrist and can show signs of irregular heart beats and atrial fibrillation (AFib). In the past, having an ECG performed would mean a trip to the doctor, but that's no longer necessary.

When customers take an ECG on their Garmin device, the ECG App uses sensors embedded in the case to record the electrical signals that control how their heart beats.

Garmin's ECG App then analyses that recording to detect signs of AFib. Additionally, users have the option to sync their ECG App results to Garmin Connect. Through the Garmin Connect app, customers can view their history of ECG App results and create reports that can be shared with a healthcare provider.

Recording an ECG is something UK Apple and Samsung users have been able to do for a while, so it's good to see this upgrade coming to Garmin as well.

“The ECG App is Garmin’s first smartwatch feature categorised as a medical device in these countries, and we are thrilled to offer this revolutionary tool to more customers as another way to stay on top of their health," explained Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President Consumer Sales & Marketing.

"During the early stages of AFib, it’s common for symptoms to be infrequent, making it difficult to detect in a clinical setting. With the ECG App, customers can conveniently take an ECG recording when they want and optionally create a report of their results to share with their doctor later.”

Garmin says the ECG App is now available for customers in Switzerland and the United Kingdom and requires the latest version of the Garmin Connect app and smartwatch software before use.