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

Afib alerts, on my Apple Watch, do not sync with my KardiaMobile. The Kardia device almost ALWAYS indicates that I am in Afib while the Apple Watch does so only sporadically. This tends to diminish my reliance on these devices. That being said it was my watch that picked it up initially and sent me to a cardiologist where Afib was confirmed. I take a calcium channel blocker and Eliquis and am asymptomatic. I’m wondering why the disparity between the devices.

Hello @elliott, I combined your post into the discussion titled "Medical devices to monitor heart rhythm (i.e., Alivecor, KardiaMobile)" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kardiamobile/.

Here, you can meet members @thisnthat, @afibguy, @janet23, and @balmich have all posted in this discussion about using an Apple Watch or the Kardia devices. They may be able to share their own experiences with why there are differences in the capabilities of both.

@elliott, you mentioned your watch was what first indicated that you should go be seen and that it led to your diagnosis. Did your cardiologist have a recommendation on which device to use and if so, when to use it?

Thanks for your reply. No recommendations. He just wanted to test and verify the alert.

At the time of my first Afib recognized event, I was totally ignorant of Afib and anything associated with the condition. I was wearing a Fitbit for training. I had a feeling of tightness in my chest and looked at my HR on the Fitbit. It was pegged at 170 after a casual restaurant dinner. 45 minutes later, it was still at 170. As I understand the. Condition, your HR is what you need to be concerned with. My Afib was brought to my attention by the least expensive Fitbit. Whether it is an Apple Watch, Kardia mobile, FitbiT - monitor your HR - early and often.

Don’t monitor too often then only when you feel off. I found I was too focused and it was putting me in a state of anxiety!
Did have alcohol at that nice restaurant? I had to really cut back as I would wake up in the middle of the night with a high rate.

Let’s hear it for these “smart” devices. (Although I’ve become very wary about the accuracy of the KardiaMobile.) And certainly a high HR needs immediate attention! I often wonder about the asymptomatic Afibs though. These are the ones in which the HR is controlled by calcium channel blockers and Eliquis and never have high heart rates. Do they cause restructuring of the heart as well, if they become persistent ? Patrick

Send it to Kardia for a consultation. They allowed me four for free. Maybe they will clarify it for you

I have a Kardia Mobile but I believe I get a lot of false readings. I use a Oxymeter on left hand and blood pressure kit on right. The heart rates usually match. Then I use Kardia Mobile and it says I’m in Tachycardia. I believe if you have arrhythmia, you can’t get a true reading. My EP told me to put it up and only use it if I have other symptoms like chest pain, dizzy, passing out.

Thanks for the response. I have very little faith in the KardiaMobile as mentioned. This is a relatively new device so I suspect that it just must be a design issue. I have great respect for the Apple Watch.

I have had a fib for many years now. Have had two cardiac ablations and I am now a fib free. That said , I have always been very symptomatic with it. I can tell that I am in it. My Kardia device, recommended by Cardiologist, has always been accurate. My Apple watch not so much. It frequently missed the afib when I knew I was In it and double checked with the Kardia device. Personally I do not trust the watch as it still tells me I am in afib a certain %of the time. Even now after my latest ablation when I know I am not in it.
Hope that helps. Bottom line, they are helpful but not as accurate as a full lead EKG.