Use of home afib monitor

[bushy2016]

Hi all Ive got Af and take a lot of medication, does anyone else use a home af monitor and if so what are the benefits ?

thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Only something like an Alivecor (Kardia) device is capable of detecting AF with any accuracy. At least amongst those currently available for private use. I was given one of the first as a trial some years ago but found it all too easy to become obsessive. They are fine if trying to get a diagnosis as many EPs accept the traces but constantly checking is counter productive to getting on with your life which we AF ers MUST do.

[bushy2016 in reply to BobD]

thats what i thought i would have it on all day and start worrying needless

[Finvola]

Hi bushy - I bought an Alivecor ECG recorder two years ago and use it when I suspect something is amiss. I was able to catch PAF, PSVT and various combinations of ectopics to show to my doctors.

In the last week my cardiologist was able to diagnose Atrial Flutter from an Alivecor trace, so for me it has been a useful tool. It also accurately records heart rate during AF which is of benefit too.

[Cristatus]

I have used Alivecor for a couple of years and before that had used some more expensive options. In all cases having records of AF events saved me trips to hospital and assisted my EP in providing advice over the phone and them it assisted him in a full diagnosis.

My Alivecor has now stopped working so I need to replace it.

Becoming obsessive is a risk but for me the comfort of being able to see what is going on is well worth it. Since having my own monitor my confidence during AF events is good whereas before I had been very worried and had been hospitalised many times for 24-48 hours before the AF settled.

As a very much less useful device is a Fitbit with heart rate monitor. I use one to record my steps but the heart rate monitor does show an irregular beat although it does not record an ECG trace.

So in conclusion I would recommend Alivecor if you do not have AF under complete control using drugs.

[Rellim296]

I wouldn't be without mine as I find it reassuring to be able to look at what my heart may be up to. It also acts as a diary. I only use it when my heart is up the creek.

I always take it with me when I'm away from home, partly because it might be useful to someone else. A reading when some cardiac event is taking place might lack the information of a proper ECG taken later - when things might be different - but can capture an event very effectively and be an invaluable diagnostic tool.