Medical devices to monitor heart rhythm (i.e., Alivecor, KardiaMobile)

Mayo Clinic did research study and proved to FDA that we can indeed use Kardia Mobile to detect aFib.. I have AliveCor and record and send to my doctor. It’s nice to have everywhere you are and no emergency room visits to establish aFib. Doctor can see if it’s aFib or just crazy PAC’s or PVC’s. Comforting.. so get one.

I was once told when i had a pacemaker that because i was paced a pulse type monitor would be useless due to the electric signal sent out to pace me. I don't know if that might be why your dr did not recommend but you might ask.

Have had the Karida about two months. Have received both normal and afib readings. Over the last two weeks only get Unclassified. It says not afib but something else? Have been told have flutter also -could that be confusing the Kardia?.
Question - can one rely on the unclassified statement you are not in afib?

Yes and no. Cardiologists like the app on the Apple watch better às being more reliable.

Unclassifieds continue with a couple afib readings in between, so went to clinic yesterday for 13 lead EKG. Report said was in normal synus ryhthm with lots of pac, pvcs. Do not feel the pacs. Shouldn't Kardio show in ryhthm (normal) even with the pacs?
Would ablation control pacs ? Have been planning second ablation. Not keen on bata blockers.

<p>I ordered a Alivecor to be used with my Galaxy S8 note. I also have a latitude monitor for my Boston Scientific Pacemaker. So far, so good. I originally had a bradycardia (40) then developed an apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Pacemaker made a huge difference. Pulse now 72 and I can walk now. Anyone have experience with the Alivecor? I decided against a smartwatch. Alivecor is FDA appproved and one model can do a 12 lead EKG.</p>

@galevin, I moved your message to this existing discussion about medical devices to monitor heart activity. I did this so you can meet other members like @eileena @texas14 @elwood @slynnb @jenny2 and @johnbishop who are familiar with AliveCor and similar monitoring devices.

Here are a few companion discussions and blogs:
- Artificial intelligence could help diagnose a deadly heart condition https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/genetic-heart-rhythm-disorders/newsfeed-post/cnbc-alivecor-article/
- Smart watch to monitor heart https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/apple-watch/

Gary, what inclined you to choose Alivecor over a smart watch? What's important in a monitoring device for you?

Hi @galevin, The Alivecor Kardia device works with Apple or Android watches and tablets. I use mine with my iPhone and love it although I do have some problems using it but I think they may be due to the neuropathy in my fingers and hands. I also bought the Kardia watch band for Apple watches and I like it much better than the two pad Kardia device. It only requires you to use your thumb and it's always with you.

Hi Gavin,

I'm one who uses the AliveCor 2 pad devices on the iPod. My only problem with it has been that due to shaky hands I have to rest it on a solid surface and then do the test. Shows very interesting waves. I look for PVCs, but occasionally I pick up an A-Fib. The PVCs will show up as a quick and much smaller beat behind a regular beat followed by a space before another regular beat begins a new series of regular beats.

I read up and found that the little beat sends a smaller amount blood and the heart then has to wait until the regular amount is collected again.

AliveCor has stated they have no interest in PVCs. However, in my own experience, PVCs are far worse.

Glad you joined us here. I also use a PulseOxy fingertip devise to check my O2 sats. Those are also very important. This virus has caused numerous to deal with O2 sats, so knowing those as well is also an important devise to obtain.

Elena

Bill, my 88 year old husband, had me get the Kardia Mobile for him. He is in Stage 3b CKD and has been told he has had Arrhythmia for a long time - a few times a week he will thump his chest, says it feels like he is missing beats. When he uses the Kardia it either shows normal or unclassified. But looking at the read out, regardless of normal or unclassified, his beats show all over the place - at least to me. Not sure if it is giving him a false sense of security or not. Although he doesn't want any surgery or dialysis if it comes to that and he would not qualify for a transplant with all his health issues.