Dr. Mandrola often has a different point of view than what seems to be the norm.
This could be worth a read since he gives an opinion about stroke risk different from the norm, at least as I know it.
I haven't been reading all posts of late, so I apologize if this has already been posted.
Apparently, when I posted the Medscape link it took a person to my email. I will need to repost the link when I figure this out.
I just read that article myself: it's very interesting. Aspects of the association between AF and stroke have always seemed puzzling to me - e.g. the fact that - as I've read, anyway - the data haven't yielded a definite distinction between the stroke risks accompanying paroxysmal and permanent AF, and the fact that they don't provide evidence that ablation reduces stroke risk, even when it does reduce the AF burden. There's a lot left to learn!
Try this website for the article on Medscape: medscape.com/viewarticle/88....
The article below about computers reading ECG recordings is a bit disconcerting.
medscape.com/viewarticle/87...
You may need to log into Medscape to get the articles. Apparently, the link I originally included gives my email if you do not have a Medscape account which is inappropriate for them to do this.
Thank you. A fascinating article. I wonder what data Alivecor use to claim 98% specificity for their device. Presumably not real world data. Well not with my Kardia.
Cant find a link
souljacs4 try with the new links.
Hi EngMac 
the conclusion to the article states...
[quote=Conclusion......
The goal of stroke prevention with mobile personal ECGs is reasonable. Giving patients control of their data is, too. And no doubt, future doctors will better understand the normal range of ambient arrhythmias. An AF episode that today begins an overtesting cascade may someday be considered normal.
But once again, I worry that mobile ECGs will distract both patients and doctors. We already have effective ways to prevent stroke. In a study of more than 11,000 high-risk patients, Swedish authors observed a 72% lower risk of stroke in those who ate well, moved, maintained a normal body weight, drank low to moderate amounts of alcohol, and did not smoke.[16] Two recent large observational studies confirmed the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity.[17,18]
I know this may seem like nonspecific, unsexy advice, but lifestyle modification is safe, and everyone agrees it delivers huge health benefits.
The mobile ECG is a nice tool for specific tasks. It's fun. But it's fantasy to think it will improve health outcome]
That sounds logical to me ....
Interesting article and one with which I heartily agree (no pun intended).
Fascinating article and the analysis of strokes in AF patients is rather sobering. John Mandrola is not afraid to think outside the box. Thank you for posting.
I think most people are aware of my views on these sorts of devices so I won't bore you any more. I do agree that life style changes and whole life treatment of conditions has a valuable place in today's world.
I don’t really see that it will lead to over diagnosis as in my experience although self monitoring can be very helpful, medics tend to only diagnose when they capture ECG traces on their own machines and under supervision. But it could be reflection of poor protocol procedures and medics taking short cuts.
Apple Watch - ECG function - Is it any good?
ECG from watch since stopping Flecainide
Anyone know what this could be on my smart watch ECG
Watches
