Phone apps/Technology

[Fibfab]

Hi there,

Do any of you use phone apps to remind you to take your medication or any other technology to track events etc, such as Fitbit, Apple Watch?

I’m wondering if there really is a place for such things.

Thanks in advance 💚

[Hidden]

I just got an Apple Watch for my birthday/ anniversary. It is nice to track my heart rates and see no report of abnormalities. I track my activity and steps on it. I use My Fitness Pal to track my eating.

[Tantaanna in reply to Hidden]

I was waiting to hear from you so you like it?

[Hidden in reply to Tantaanna]

I like it a lot. It’s mostly a peace of mind. I’m very symptomatic when I’m in a fib but having watch agree with me is good. Plus knowing if I fall out on our rural road walking , the watch will call for help if I can’t. I wouldnt have spent the $$ on it but wasnt going to disagree with my hubby buying it for me😉🌝

[Hidden]

I too have an Apple Watch to check my heart and fitness , especially now we have the ecg app in the U.K. I have also set an alarm on my iPhone to remind me to take my evening Pradaxa

Di

[S11m in reply to Hidden]

Hi...

I did not know that the ECG was available on the Apple Watch in the UK - I have just checked the Watch app on my iPhone - and it is downloading.

My Kardia has stopped working (again) - so I look forward to knowing if I am in AF. It has been recording my resting heart rate - so I will know when my pacemaker packs up (last time I did not know for nine months... and felt rough!

How long have you had the ECG?

[Hidden in reply to S11m]

It’s only been available in the U.K. for about a week. You have to make sure your phone has the latest operating system then it will sinc with your watch.

Di

[S11m in reply to Hidden]

I have it installed and working now.

I tried using it on my knee to find p-waves. …seems ok, but p-waves inverted.

[BobD Volunteer]

Personally I feel they can increase anxiety and stress and focus on the condition rather than just getting on with life which surely is the best way forward. Be what you feel rather than be slave to a machine. Re pills I have a seven day box which works perfectly well so no need to use phone alarms or anything like that.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

The biggest thing I like about the Apple Watch is I think it settles the argument between my heart doc and I re PIP. He would like me to take flec. daily, which I have before without problem. But I haven’t had any known a fib in 11 mo now with no antiarrhythmic drug and my watch is telling me I’ve not had any irregular heart rates so it gives me peace of mind in that disagreement. If I started having a fib regularly, then I would be a good girl and take my pill🤣😉😇

[Kellyjelly]

I have a heart rate app on my phone, it has been tested for accuracy by every single paramedic, a&e doctor and docs surgery over the last few months and is bang on. I only use it when I’m having an SVT episode or racing heart out of the blue. I find it gives me something to focus on and it gives me comfort knowing what rate I’m at. My family like to know too and they find it reassuring.

[Emerneurosis in reply to Kellyjelly]

Hi I am new here I would really appreciate name of heart rate app thank you Emer

[Kellyjelly in reply to Emerneurosis]

Hi, it’s called instant heart rate and it’s free. 😊

[Emerneurosis in reply to Kellyjelly]

Ah thanks so much Emer 😍

[momist in reply to Emerneurosis]

Heart rate apps on your phone operate by using an LED light (usually your camera flash) and the camera built into the phone. They observe the slight increase in redness of the skin due to the swelling of the capillaries in your finger when there is a pulse of blood pressure. This way, they can detect the interval of your pulse, and work out the beats per minute.

However, since when you are in AF, your heart rate may well exceed the normal parameters (>120?) and many of the heart beats don't actually create a pulse anyway (atrial beat with little or no blood content to pre-charge the ventricle), they DO NOT read Atrial Fibrillation with any reliability. Neither do dedicated finger clip monitors, smart watches, or any other device using LED/camera technology.

[Hidden in reply to momist]

Yes, that unreliability with various other gizmos is why I only use Kardia and I’m aware that even it is not as accurate as a regular EKG.

The implanted Linq is probably better for a symptomatic AF, but in my case, it meets my needs.

[Paulbounce]

I always take my daily med`s out of the packet in the morning where I can see them - just by where I keep my mobile. On the odd time I have forgotten to take the evening dose it reminds me to take them when I turn the phone off. Mind you it doesn`t work if you forget to turn your phone off

You could use anything as a reminder. Keep them by your tooth brush for instance or on top of your bedside table. Somewhere were you will look for sure before turning in for the night.

Best,

Paul

[Hidden]

I have an alarm on my iphone for my evening medication .... I just forget otherwise. I use the boxes too, so I know if it did take it fur sure.

I use the MyFitness Pal app too... helpful.

I have an Apple Watch but don’t wear it that much.... the heart rate thing is good but you can use your own fingers on your wrist.

I have a BP machine which has an AFib warning on it.... others seem to think they’re unreliable but it’s the same make my doctor has. I don’t check that often tbh.... but I know I can if I want to.

[GrannySmithgs5]

Hi , I use my fitbit to remind me to take my evening meds .xx

[LHDLondon]

Yes, i did use a telephone app at the very beginning. After a bit though i realised that i just needed to build the pill taking into my routine. 5 years on, thats my routine. 7 at breakfast, 6 at 6pm.

[Buffafly]

I have a fitness watch which I have set to buzz me twice a day. It also reminds me to move around if I have been sitting or not moving about too long!

[Roony39]

Hi I use my phone alarm twice a day to remember to take my medication after forgetting to take apixaban on the run up to my 2nd ablation, haven’t done it again.

[Hidden]

The technology I've used for a few years is Kardia Mobile, which I've found incredibly helpful. Technology is simply a tool. There's no reason that it should be considered inherently anxiety-provoking or unhelpful. It's a matter of personal preference and the attitude directed toward using it.

I use the most basic version of it and have emailed myself readings so that I can track episodes over time. Simple stuff.

Kardia has been invaluable in helping me become attuned to my heart. As I became better able to discern when an episode was starting, I could confirm it with Kardia. I've found it to be reassuring to have access to this info.

I had an implanted Reveal Linq for 3 years, but much prefer the Kardia.

The EPs office staff was truly horrid and so trying to access any info about the Linq, never mind them constantly screwing up billing issues, was just a headache. I'm so much better off on my own with my Kardia sensors attached to my phone.

As for taking medications, I recently went through a phase of trial and error with the different supplements I've written about in posts. I settled on a good mixture and wrote up a chart with the timing that I post in my kitchen. Sometimes I'll set an alarm on my iPhone if I'm concerned I'll forget the afternoon dose.

I think that used wisely, technology can be really helpful.

[Hidden]

Yeah, I use a phone App Dosecast to remind me to take meds and have done for years. I have a Garmin Forerunner 35 Tracker which reports various sets of data to an app on my Phone, Garmin Connect. Again, have done for a couple of years.

Garmin is not that scientific and so i only use the results as a guide and look for what is norms and abnormalities. If I find too many abnormalities or abnormalities that I can't explain then I take it further.

John

[willec49]

I have a Kardia which can confirm or not a possible afib episode. Also, the app reminds me to take my meds which has been helpful at times.

[Theblade]

For me it’s about embracing as much technology you are comfortable with, it’s pointless using it if ur will stress you out. My 6 year old grandson is more advanced technowise than me, so I just use what I know, the Cardio free app is brilliant for quick HR readings and very accurate and confirms when you are in AF unlike a blood pressure monitor as that just shows an error sign. I have an evening reminder for my meds just in case.

[GrannyE]

I have set he alarm on my Ipad to remind me to take my apixaban in the evening.

[majjic]

I use ical on my laptop which syncs with Google Calander on my Galaxy S7 and my tab A....I run my life with these because my memory is dreadful.

[Gilli54]

I do use my mobile to remind me to take my meds. I set an alarm for morning levothyrixine, bisoprolol and flecainide , 6pm alarm for warfarin and an 8 pm one for Flecainide. I find it easy to be sidetracked by circumstances occasionally and then it is possible to forget. My husband checks my pulse if I’m feeling anxious. But some days I feel less good than others and everything actually seems fine heartwise. I try not to get stressed but have recently considered some kind of monitor. But don’t want to get obsessed by my health. It’s already far too much up there. Not sure whether it would add anxiety or peace of mind. Do what works for you. 😃

[Morzine]

I think what bob says is correct, it can get a bit more anxiety checking with the machines......i did do that but now check my pulse, it’s quicker and u can then think oh I’m ok and get on with life.....but everyone’s duferent......Same as bob I have a seven day pill plastic thing......I fill it Monday’s and have my morning and evening tabs, I put it right by my bed table and see it every morning.

Because I seem to forget things more these days if I have an appointment I makes sure I don’t forget by these small blackboards you can buy, I put one by my bathroom sink and one on my dressing table, and just write stuff like” cardio Friday”....etc....they are good memory jerkers!!!....god! Old brains eh!!!

[CDreamer in reply to Morzine]

Depends on the person - I find them reassuring - it’s the person and how you use the app which creates the anxiety. I love my Apple Watch but only look at the heart data about once a week.

[Morzine in reply to CDreamer]

Oh yes of course.....anything reassuring I agree....I do have a Kardia....I do use it, but not very often as i have to then find my phone!!

[CDreamer]

Yes - always! I use an app called MyTherapy. I take a medication that I take as I need to so the daily dose can vary between 3-8 tablets a day, however, if I overdose it is very, very dangerous for me and if I don’t maintain a minimum I can’t function so it is very important I remember to take some of my meds on time. I can take up to 20 tablets a day and cannot or do not always remember or whether or not I have taken them and that is just unacceptable to me and my doctors.

This very simple app sends me a notification to take my meds on my watch so I can’t ignore it - it also allows me to track my symptoms so I have an automatic report generated for when I see my doctor.

If you are only taking 1-2 tablets a day but if you want to track whether or not a medication is efficacious for you - no doubt at all it makes life much easier. If I only had AF I probably wouldn’t bother too much - but having said that - as you track your symptoms it can be quite revealing as to what may help/hinder.

[CDreamer]

PS - I also have my Alexa to remind me to take my meds at mealtimes.

[Brianboru]

Yes my old 5S has a reminder app which reminds me to take the second set of tablets late afternoon. Would be less organized without it !! The first set are taken with breakfast which needs no reminder !! I also have another reminder 5 minutes after the first one in case I could not act immediately act on it. My system Works well !!

[johnkeithdowning]

I also use a seven day box. I also set a repeat alarm on my phone. Simple but effective.

John

[Flyer2820]

Hi Fibfab

Lots of people have mentioned the fitbit watch which will do the job great to remind you when to take your meds. I use a far cheaper option which is the Xiaomi mi band 2, it costs only around £20 on Ebay or Amazon and does exactly the same as the Fitbit at at least a quarter of the price. You can set it from your phone to vibrate at a given time on your wrist and it reminds you to take your tablets. It will also wake you in the morning without waking anyone else up. I have had mine for well over a year now with no problems and the battery lasts about 4 weeks in between charges, depending on how much you us it of course. It will check your heart rate and count steps and miles and calories just like the Fitbit. If you want to save money and keep track of your tablets, then buy one. I highly recommend it.

Regards Flyer.

[hartbeast]

I agree with Nella423 and others here - it’s all about how comfortable you are with technology. Siri (the voice command) saved my life when I had my stroke, because I couldn’t dial 911 by hand, and I was able to get a life-saving shot of a clot-busting drug within an hour of the stroke. Since there was no abnormal heart activity during my hospital or rehab stay, they didn’t know what caused it. At that point, I bought an Apple Watch because I wanted to have the ability to call an ambulance even if my phone wasn’t on me. If my phone had been downstairs at the time of my stroke, it would have been very much worse for me. Then the Apple Watch was what alerted me to the fact that I had AFib at all, since it didn’t show up on the heart monitor during my stay or during the time my cardiologist had me on a Holter monitor. I landed in the hospital for two days for that first episode. Since then, on the occasions I go into AFib, my EP appreciates that I can email him a report from the two lead ECG on my Kardia device. And on the recommendation of my primary care doc, I use a heart math device as a biofeedback monitor In addition to my regular meditation. It has helped a lot with heart rate variability and I think it’s even headed off some episodes before they got bad. Of course I’ve also quit the minimal alcohol and coffee I used to do, as well as changing to an anti-inflammatory diet, on the advice of my doc. Since my ablation, I’ve had fewer and briefer AFib episodes, but I am trying to build up my strength from the deconditioned state due to the stroke and and anti-arrhythmics I was on, before a possible second ablation. A judicious use of technology can either decrease your anxiety or increase it, depending on how you use it and your comfort level with it. It works for me. Do what works best for you!

[CDreamer in reply to hartbeast]

I agree - the Apple Watch has given me the confidence to go out walking on my own because I know it will call emergency services if I have a fall automatically and send texts to my husband and son who both have access to my ‘find my phone’.

If you are anxious around technology or cannot understand the data that the apps are giving you though I can see they would make some people anxious. I know we have had a few panic posts about heart rates at 80-90.

[S11m in reply to CDreamer]

My pacemaker is (supposedly) set at 60, my resting pulse rate is about 52, and I have set the alarm at 40, so I will know when the pacemaker fails.

[Haymaker42]

I use the Apple Watch and love it. I use it to track my heart rate with the heart app and I also use it to alarm for medication reminders. It is also great for exercise tracker.

[Gerihope]

I use the alarm clock on my android phone to remind me of my meds. Each alarm plays a different time, and shows on the screen which pill.

[Fibfab]

Thank you for all your replies. I appreciate you taking the time to give your opinions 😉💚

[Janith]

I use Alexa ... she is part of Amazon Prime. She speaks to you. Fantastic invention ...

[Lizie-Loo2013]

Yes , I have a lovely quacking duck on my iPhone to remind me to take my evening meds. All the grandchildren say “Nanna s ducks hungry”! 😊

[john-boy-92]

Like Bob, I have a seven day pill box that sits on the breakfast bar at breakfast and on the table for the evening meal. AF and arrythmia in particular can cause errors on electronic devices such as blood pressure monitors and heart rate monitors. Thanks to testing items for Amazon, I have an Omron wrist blood pressure monitor that seems to work well, and a Polar Vantage V (and H10 chest strap) that measures heart rate, activity, and sleep plus heart rate that I'm pleased with. However, the Polar Vantage V returns an error in the Orthostatic test as I suspect that arrythmia upsets the r-r interval measurement.

[MarinaT]

Hi. At home I use Alexa - she tells me at 8am and 8pm to take my meds. I also have alarms set on my mobile for when I am out.

[Browncoat]

Another vote for the Kardia app/device from me. Like Hidden I use the basic (non-subscription) version and email the results to myself so I have a permanent record. There is absolutely no mistaking when I am in a-fib so I don't need it to 'detect' a-fib. I do however get episodes of PACs that I feel are worthwhile monitoring to see any patterns over time.

[Breezera]

I use a free phone app called Alarm Clock Xtreme to wake me in the morning and to remind me to take my pills twice daily. It's perfect for me. The app features plenty of options for each alarm event that I set including choice of alarm tone, alarm volume (incl. ascending volume and rate of increase), snooze (incl. snooze duration and snooze repeat options), and choices for the precise method(s) to be used to snooze and then silence each alarm event. I never miss taking my pills and my wake-up alarm/snooze routine experience in the morning could not be better.

[jedimasterlincoln]

I use "dosecast" at £1.99 a month to remind me when to take my tablets, show my dose history and remind me of repeat prescriptions/supply remaining.

I can also add my daughter on so we know when she's had calpol (this was handy when teething)

[Sapphire23]

I have been using Medisafe app to help me keep on track with my meds since I have so many. I just bought a watch earlier this month because I hoped I could continue doing this with the watch. So,now I'm looking for another med reminder that will work with it.