Anybody use a smartwatch with ECG? - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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Anybody use a smartwatch with ECG?

DaveT81 profile image
8 Replies

Just curious. I got a Fitbit, under the impression the tech was already built in but there were 3rd party apps that you could use for it but that isn't true.

Also, it's getting harder and harder for me to remember to bring my Kardia with me everywhere as I'm terrified of losing it (I have CFS, so my memory is garbage).

Let me know if any of you use a smartwatch that contains ECG tech. Thanks!

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DaveT81
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8 Replies

I have an Apple Watch 4 which has the facility. Brilliant

Woobag profile image
Woobag

Been out of AF for 4 years since my last cardio version. This week, while out with my dogs, started to get out of breath and knew from previous experience that AF was back.

Used the ECG app on my Apple Watch and sent it to my consultants PA. She forwarded it on and I got a call from my consultant the same evening!

The technology saved a lot of time and inconvenience.

(I’m now waiting for CV and he is referring me for ablation).

Simon

HiloHairy profile image
HiloHairy

The Fitbit is useless for this purpose.

Kardia sells a case for their unit that goes on the back of your phone. It's so thin that you're unlikely to notice it in your pocket. If that doesn't appeal you could consider having a Kardia in your glove box and one at home. They're not THAT expensive.

Yachtgirl profile image
Yachtgirl

Hi Dave, My Cardiologist recommended I buy either the Kardia or an Apple iWatch. I chose the iWatch as I would always have it with me whereas easier to forget phone or a middle of the night event is easier with an iWatch. I have had the watch for about five weeks now and also saw my Cardiologist a couple of days ago. He loves the ECG trace and says it is very accurate. It is easy for me to take a 30 second reading which is sent to my iPhone immediately, then one press and it is sent to my Cardiologist. It has given me piece of mind which probably helps reduce anxiety which probably reduces arrhythmia and has so many other functions as well. I would very highly recommend it. I live in New Zealand, some countries do not approve the ECG function. Good luck.

OurCoach profile image
OurCoach

I have Apple WAtch 5 and love it. I take an ECG reading the minute I feel an AFib starting — number 103 was last night — so I am able to see when it starts and when it stops. My Dr accepts the read outs which are easy to forward from my phone. Plus it does many, many other good things that are nice to have. Oh, and I should mention it also tells the time. :)

dmac4646 profile image
dmac4646

I have both and the Kardi is far more accurate - I can being AF and the watch shows NSR or inconclusive - what the ECG facility on the watch is good for is telling your pulse rate quickly as the pulse mechanism is slow and inaccurate.

Maisiemay13 profile image
Maisiemay13 in reply todmac4646

Pleased someone else has issue I cannot get an accurate reading with the watch when I know I am in AF sometimes have the same issue with the kardia so just think it’s my erratic heart

DaveT81 profile image
DaveT81

Thanks for your replies, everyone.

In the end I went for the less expensive Withings Move ECG. Its a basic analog watch with ECG.

It's FDA approved and in the EU, but also tracks steps, calories, sleep and so on. Only downside is it doesn't continuously monitor your heart rate.

I'm selling my fitbit so it'll cover most of the cost and I'll just pick up a more fully functional smart watch in the future.

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