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

My kardia has made a big difference because I have difficulty at times discerning between my PVCs, A-fib and tachycardia and this device has helped my cardiologist in documenting my events.

Hello,
I used the kardia for a short period then purchased the Frontier ECG monitor. It is expensive and worth it. I'm able to record for extended periods of time and send the PDF report to my cardiologist. It has been a lifesaver for me. Prayers of healing 🙏 to all.

I rely on my Apple Watch to tell me when I am in Afib and it has been validated by 12-lead ECGs on several occasions (I am speaking about my own experience, not research). I have learned that it is the p wave on the ECG that is relevant to Afib and the ECGs show that very clearly. It is not intended to catch any other abnormal rhythms. I was able to talk with someone at Apple Support about the algorithm the watch uses to report Afib and was told it has to pick up 5 consecutive Afib readings before it tells me I am in Afib, but the good news is that it picks them up automatically without any awareness or action on my part, unlike the Kardia. I used the Kardia device before I bought the watch and always wondered whether I was just increasing my anxiety because of the effort required.

Thanks for the added information about the Frontier ECG monitor, @dnk1kinney. In order to use this monitor, do you need to have an Apple phone. Unfortunately, I have a Android phone and I'm not sure that all of these devices work with an Android.

I believe it can work with both. I have an android phone. Hope that helps.

Kardio and other devices like the Apple watch that can detect an arrhythmia DO NOT work if you have a pacemaker. I have a biventricular Pacemaker and after I had it put in, my Apple watch no longer detected even a sinus rhythm. Apple said it states this in the fine print and cardiologist said the same thing when I asked about getting a Kardio device. Best option is to learn how to check your pulse for an irregularly irregular heart beat or a rate so fast that you can't even count it. Then always call your Doc or 911 if you are not feeling well. It's important to remember that Afib and flutter are not necessarily life threatening conditions even though they can make you feel pretty awful. But it is always best to get checked out when you don't feel right. Learn to listen to your body!

I am an internist with over 40 years of experience. Kardia mobile uses false claims in its advertising. This gives a rhythm strip..not a medical grade ekg. In addition, telling people that it is cleared by the FDA. It should have done the work to be FDA approved which it apparently not been done. Basically, FDA approved means it won't harm you. It can mislead you which could end in disaster. There are better devices available.

@mmcondonmd my Apple Watch picked up A-fib and my heart rate was 161 bpm. I took the test several times.
The report from my watch was available on my iPhone. I printed out the EKGs and presented them to my Cardiologist. He was most impressed and appreciative because it saved time and treatment started sooner.

I have found Kardia to be helpful. I don't rely absolutely on what it says specifically but it confirms my perceptions of afib or other issues. I am EMF sensitive (long story) so leery of Apple Watch.

cathyfrn, I continue to learn and learn from those on MCC. I have a AICD/Pacemaker and saw the advertisement on Apple Watches and Kardio device and I was considering one.

Thanks for that information.