Why ECG is a Game Changer in Circular Ring 2 — And How to Use It Right
At Circular, our mission has always been to bring proactive and medical-grade health tracking into the hands of everyone, seamlessly integrated into daily life. That’s why, with Circular Ring 2, we took a bold step forward: embedding an ECG sensor directly into the ring—making it the first smart ring of its kind to do so in addition to offering holistic health tracking. But why does ECG matter? And how can you use it properly for the best results?
What is ECG and Why Does it Matter?
ECG stands for Electrocardiogram—a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. Unlike PPG (light-based sensors), ECG provides direct insight into how your heart is functioning.
✅ Why an ECG is important:
With an ECG you can get insights on heart rhythm abnormalities like arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation (AFib) for early signs of potential issues
- Monitor your heart’s electrical activity for early signs of potential issues
- Adds a medical-grade layer of accuracy unmatched by PPG-only trackers
That’s why hospitals and cardiologists use ECG every day. Bringing that power to your finger means better health monitoring, proactive insights, and peace of mind—all from your ring.
The ECG in the Circular Ring 2 is a single-lead ECG, meaning it measures the heart’s electrical activity using one electrical pathway—captured between the ring and your fingertip. While a 12-lead ECG in hospitals provides a much better comprehensive, multi-angle view of the heart’s electrical signals. The ECG works by creating a circuit when you touch the ring with your opposite hand, allowing the ring to capture the electrical impulses generated by your heartbeats. Though it’s not a replacement for clinical diagnostics and devices, the single-lead ECG can offer a relevant snapshot of your heart’s rhythm in a proactive way—providing early warnings right from your finger. If you have already been diagnosed, it is highly recommended that you take a suitable holter.
Why We Added ECG to Circular Ring 2
Many smart rings stop at PPG sensors, but we knew that wasn’t enough. By integrating a 1-lead ECG into Circular Ring 2, we:
- Unlock medical-grade features like arrhythmia detection (FDA-cleared)
- Enable future health features like blood pressure trends
- Empower users to monitor their heart anytime, anywhere
Health isn’t just about steps or sleep—it’s about understanding the most vital organ in your body: your heart.
How to Use the ECG Feature in the Circular App
Using the ECG is simple, but following a few steps ensures maximum accuracy:
1️⃣ Sit down and relax — Find a quiet place where you can sit still and relax your arms.
2️⃣ Wear the ring snugly — Make sure the Circular Ring 2 is worn comfortably on your finger, ensuring good skin contact.
3️⃣ Activate ECG in the app — Open the Circular App, go to the Arrhythmia Circle.
4️⃣ Complete the circuit — Place your opposite finger on the ring’s contact point as shown in the app to create the electrical circuit.
5️⃣ Stay still for 40 seconds — Breath normally and remain as still as possible during the scan to avoid signal noise.
6️⃣ View your result — After 40 seconds, the app will display your ECG reading and a potential arrhythmia detection or a regular (sinus) rhythm
7️⃣ Share your result — You'll be able to export the ECG trace and results in PDF format to share it to your heath professional.
When Should You Use the ECG?
🔎 Feeling palpitations or irregular heartbeat
✅ Routine heart health check-ins
❤️ Just to stay proactive about your heart health
Remember: The single lead ECG is a powerful tool for awareness—but not a replacement for a clinical or medical device. If you get unusual results, consult a healthcare professional.
