Kardia

[rayc99]

Hi everyone, does anyone ever get false readings with their kardia device? It seems to not give me an accurate reading unless I get a ‘great signal’ on it. Never used to be like this. Also never been able to get it to work by placing it on a table with the device next to it as advertised on the tv. Does this work for anybody? Usually have to hold it while against the phone. Asking as it shows crazy readings of up to 200bpm when my pulse feels fine. Wondering if there is a life expectancy on these things. Only had it for just over 3 years

[BobD Volunteer]

"Artifacts" or interference are quite common unless the finger contact is very good. Kardia recommend (or at least used to ) that you use hand sanatiser before use to ensure good contact. Failing that, battery life is about three years so you may need to change it (very small screwdriver required.)

[rayc99 in reply to BobD]

Thanks for the reply Bob. Changed the battery a few weeks back so will maybe give the sanitiser a bash

[rosyG]

I’ve had two which have always been accurate. Sounds as if your internet connection is variable?

[baba in reply to rosyG]

Internet not needed for Kardia.

[rosyG in reply to baba]

Wi-Fi on phone?

[baba in reply to rosyG]

It doesn't work on WiFi/ internet, the two lead uses the phone microphone and the six lead uses Bluetooth. You can put phone in aeroplane mode if WiFi causing interference.

[Hidden]

Also make sure are nowhere near other electronic devices. If it’s 3 yrs old it’s unlikely to be the 6 lead version but they are known to be sensitive to all sorts of interference.

[Hidden]

You could try using it in a different location in case there is electrical interference at your present location. Also, get somebody else to use it to see if the problem is peculiar to you.

[Ppiman]

I decided to get the new 6L version and it works easily and well with never a hiccup. I use it holding it using my thumbs to make the contact as I find using two fingers on a table is far less easy and no more successful. It works 100% of the time and doesn't need to be near the phone as I have read the previous model does. I use it quite a bit but luckily, I've had no AF since last November, only (?!) tachycardia and ectopic beats.

But as yours is only three years old, I wouldn't be rushing to update to the new model. Have you tried re-pairing the Bluetooth, or changing the battery? Another thing I have to do occasionally is to dampen my skin a touch.

Steve

[momist in reply to Ppiman]

Ppiman Steve, the earlier two lead version of the Kardia uses audio in the very high frequency range to communicate with the phone via it's microphone. Since many more high end phones now have 'noise cancelling' and other modifications / limitations to their audio input they don't all work well with the older Kardia.

rayc99 mine works fine 'on the table' although the phone has to be very nearby and microphone upwards. A higher reading on your heart beat may actually be a true reading even when your pulse feels slower and regular, which might indicate some other problem than AF. Not all heart beats can produce a pulse of increased blood pressure, if the heart is beating before it has filled adequately with blood to do any pumping. You can generally tell if there are 'artefacts' from interference, as the shape of the graph is different and not characteristic of heart activity.

[splashrollandplod]

It uses Bluetooth to connect to the phone so neither internet nor wifi are needed. Mine is a 6 Lead and is 2 years old. It works 99% of time but sometimes just won’t connect - I suspect something to do with skin condition eg when I’m cold and clammy. It sometimes needs more pressure from thumbs and thigh. And I get ‘artefacts’ or ‘noise’ in the form of exaggerated deflections especially if I’m not sitting still. I’ve done close to 1,000 readings.

[irene75359]

My only experience of totally false readings was in my late mother's retirement flat; the interference was excessive and there wasn't a place anywhere in the building that was clear and I resorted to going outside to the car park. But if you are using your phone in the same place that you always have done then this obviously isn't the cause. Hopefully the sanitiser will sort out the problem.

[Goldfish7]

Mine commonly gives a diagnosis of sinus rythme with wide qrs when I have atrial flutter (diagnosed by specialist nurse). I always have to moisten my leg and fingers when using my 6 lead Kardia.

[Ppiman in reply to Goldfish7]

Mine often says that. I was told it was because I have some LBBB. I had AFl but the ablation stopped it in its tracks, thankfully.

Steve

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi. Yesterday read Dr Robert B Barn's take on hypertension gadgets , BP machines etc.

My carer bought a watch! Some hundreds of dollars.

The BP macine is nest. I had a Omron machine and now a Microlife BP. I prefer the latter as smaller.

I sold the Omron one to Carer $50. Cost over $100.

On A.F it kept giving me a ERROR reading. My A.F was persistent.

BP macines are best says the above .. Baron says.

cheri. JOY

[Rosiedawg]

I just got a - I hope - false reading. The ekg line was very chaotic and I saw a 234 beat while it was making the reading. The outcome said 76 beats/atrial fibrillation, but still the graph was very chaotic not as usual. I thought maybe the ekg reader needs a new battery. Any similar events for anyone?