We bought the single lead a long time ago before the others were available. Since that works well and gives the same information about the type of arrhythmias we did not upgrade. If I were buying a new one today I might try the 6 lead. We only use it to see if my husband is in a-fib so the single lead is fine for us now. It is my understanding the 6 lead gives the same arrhythmia type information but may be a little more sensitive because of the extra leads and the info can be transmitted to your cardiologist. But it is also a little more difficult to use as you have to hold it on one leg while you do it as that is one of the areas for the extra leads. The single lead you just put on a table and put your fingers on it. We don’t have a need to transmit the info to a doctor, we just make an appointment and they do the regular EKG.
As far as a pacemaker, for now we don’t mind doing a cardio version once or twice a year (in at 8 am and out by 11 am). Since his heart rate and BP are normal even when in a-fib, he doesn’t feel terrible, just a little “off” until he gets shocked. If it gets to the point where we have to do the cardioversions more often or he starts feeling worse when in a-fib then a pacemaker would be the next step. It is my understanding that with a pacemaker you also have to be careful with certain things like airport security screening, etc. so just one more thing to worry about. Do you have a pacemaker and if so which one?