AliveCor — which makes an FDA-cleared, smartphone-based electrocardiogram device — is working to add a similar capability to the Apple Watch, with the company’s Founder and CMO Dr. Dave Albert showing a prototype at the University of Southern California Center for Body Computing’s ninth annual conference.

The new offering uses the same technology as AliveECG, relying on a single-lead sensor built into a replacement watchband.

This prototype solution can be worn at all times, taking heart rate and activity history between ECG readings, and even allowing users to record voice annotations. When the app detects a potential issue with the heart rate, it can send a notification to take an ECG.

Another cool feature is that the Watch app can take readings without an iPhone around, which is needed only when you want to upload data to the cloud.

San Francisco-based AliveCor holds a patent on simultaneously recording voice and ECG waveforms, the capability that — according to Albert — allows the software to analyze “not only what she says, but how she says it.” He went on to add that a similar wristband could be developed for Android Wear devices, but for the time being, they’ll be focused on Apple’s wearable…

[Via: MedCityNews]