Hi I have very recently been diagnoised with AF. I am still waiting for full investigations, but since being diagnoised I have been hospitalised twice in the last 2 weeks (2 nights each time) as I was clammy, chest tighness/heavyness and very breathless during AF episodes. first one lasted 12hrs , 2nd was 26 hrs before subsiding. I was initially on Bisoprolol & Ramirprill, but these got stopped as Pottasium was high 6.2, and BNP was also high 1029 during the first hospitalised episode.
I am now on Nebivolol, initially 2.5mg twice a day. This has been increased since 2nd admission to 5mg twice a day. I am waiting for a stress echo as there is a question of some degree of heart failure too. The consultant I have been put under seemed to suggest that I should 'ride it out at home' if I get another episode. My predicament is my GP has said after 3hrs of AF, if I have chest pain and am clammy and breathless I should get to A&E. My blood pressure is much lower now, my heart rate is usually 46-52.
There is a strong family history of heart attacks and strokes around 60 years old (I am 55 year old woman). I am thinking of investing in one of these devices which I can fix to my iphone to be sure I am in AF and then staying at home. A&E was not pleasant, took hours to get to coronary unit and if I don't need to be there would be better for all if I stayed at home. They really need the beds.
Has anyone else purchased one of these Alivecor/kardia devices (or anything similar) and found them of any use? I don't want to waste £100 if it's not going to be worth using.
Written by
ange1960
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
They are fine for getting a diagnosis BUT all too easy to become OCD with. Used properly fine but don't start getting obsessed with it as that is really not helpful. I speak form personal experience!
That makes sense Bob. Would hope to only use it if I feel I'm in AF rather than as a daily thing. I'll try to stay aware of how I'm using it and will discuss with GP and Cardiologist at next appointment..
Hi, Bob I have just come across an alivecor Apple ap on my phone, is this the same thing you are talking about. Since posting last time my episodes seem to have settled down, but I still get periods of unease when my pulse is fairly ok but heart feels as if it's in my throat banging away. So something like this would offer some re assurance if it worked.
I bought mine to catch events which had eluded all tests and monitors, except one. Both my GP and EP find the traces useful and now I use it only to confirm a probable arrhythmia to show my EP.
Mine is an Alivecor/Kardia and I use it with my iPad - money well spent for me.
Thanks it's good to know it's a useful product. Think I will be purchasing one.
I bought mine to catch events but haven't managed one yet as my drugs seem to be working well. But I have had a few occasions when I've felt something was not right, so took an ECG and found out it wasn't my ticker, which was reassuring and saved me a lot of wasted time and worry. So it can be used either way round, not just to catch AF but to confirm it isn't AF. I don't use it very often, but good to have it around if and when.
Just to say I agree with all the above. I have an Alivecor and find it really useful and reassuring - as somebody else said its one of the best things I have bought - just try not to obsess over it!
I don't think you will regret it, when it arrives you may be surprised at how small it is, I was! But it works very well, I use it with my iPad and as has been said before, try not to get too obsessive but use it sensibly. My family love it too and now have all had home made ecg. I am currently doing a short Futurelearn free online course on ECG reading. It only started this week so still time to join.
Thank you, I'm hoping it will be a useful tool for me. I will have a look at the Futurelearn course, it would be good to feel I have a basic understanding of what the ECG is showing.
I have and it is a great stress reliever . Very easy to use , you can save multiple recordings and email them to anyone and they can see the full ECG recording . I am fortunate my husband is a physician and he interprets mine . I now am at the point I can as well . It was not that expensive about $150.00 US. Best money I have ever spent . Buy one for your piece of mind
I have one which gives an accurate reading. I didn't have to stick it to my phone as just holding it close does the trick. I also have an app on my phone called Cardio which gives me similar readings and obviously cheaper. Peace of mind is good - proof for the docs with a readout is better still. I do agree with Bob though, it's easy to get OCD, so I don't do readings at all unless I know something is going on.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
AliveCor Kardia Mobile 
Kardia mobile
Kardia /Alivecor
AF and VT
