Kardio Device For Smartphone

[MartinoH]

Hi,

Does anyone have any views on the reliability of these devices ? Are they fairly accurate at detecting heart rate ? Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Kardia (Alivecor) is the only device generally accepted by EPs to show ECG traces of AF. I'm not keen myself as I found it far too easy to obsess over rather than getting on with life but if you are looking for a diagnosis they are great.

[MartinoH in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, thanks. My main reason for getting one is for checking whether my rate is within an acceptable range, I can usually tell whether I’m in AF. I’m hoping it will boost confidence, but you make a good point, I suppose it could do the opposite !

[CDreamer]

The only gadget that I’ve come across to give you an accurate HR when in AF but it will give you an ECG trace so if you just want a heart rate monitor you may be better served with an app which would be much cheaper.

I love my Kardia but then I hardly ever use it these days but when I was having a lot of ups and downs it was invaluable as I could email a trace to my clinic so they could adjust my meds accordingly, saving valuable time for both of us. My EP at the time was one of the team who evaluated the device in UK trials. I’ve had one for nigh on 10 years, had to replace the well used, worn out version which literally fell apart, 2 years ago.

[MartinoH in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CDreamer, I think you’ve sold it to me ! 😁 I would use it to check AF as well, but my main concern would be to check the rate when actually in AF because sometimes I feel quite light headed. Thanks for your help.

[Jalia in reply to MartinoH]

I'm on my second Kardia and mine has been invaluable, particularly in checking my rate when in AF.

I also incidentally discovered my husband was in AF and have since had a request from cardiology at local hospital for a reading to be sent over from my phone. A great piece of kit in my opinion.

Yes, it was my new toy to begin with but the novelty does wear off ( after a couple of years lol !)

[Dodie117 in reply to MartinoH]

Agree with above. I rarely use mine but is a comfort when I need it and my doctor liked it. If you are not obsessive type like BobD 🤣 then it will do the job.

[mjames1]

The Kardia 6L would be my choice for monitoring heart rate while in afib.

But if your just interested in HR when in normal sinus rhythm, lots of choices. If you don't want to wear a chest strap like for example the Polar device, I like the Apple Watch. It will record your HR every few minutes and if you put it in "workout mode" you will get a continuous real-time reading.

Probably less expensive options than Apple Watch, but the nice thing about the Watch is that you can also use it to record an ecg, similar to the Kardia. I have both and find them very useful in monitoring my condition, as well as documenting different arrhythmia's for my doctor.

Jim

[Kaz747]

I love my Kardia. If I have any issues, my EP is happy to review its readings (I’m in Australia so I know we have a different system). And Dr David Albert, the Kardia inventor has been helpful too (he pops up from time to time on this forum).

[tunybgur]

If it's just heart rate you're concerned with I find a finger on the wrist and ten seconds on the watch is pretty reliable.

After a time you are so used to it you don't need the watch.

[ETHEL103 in reply to tunybgur]

That's not easy in persistant a fib and edtopics.

[tunybgur in reply to ETHEL103]

Agreed, but none of the normal pulse monitors are reliable in persistent AF.

When I'm in AF I know because none of my HR monitors agree with each other, I've got three, the best of which is a HealForce PC80B which gives a very reliable visible indication of AF as there is clearly no P wave on the trace.

Good luck

[momist]

Fairly accurate? Wrong word. They are VERY accurate, as they work pretty much on the same principles as an ECG machine, but with more limited connections. Do NOT trust those wrist monitors which detect your 'pulse rate' with little lights flashing against the wrist - these do NOT work when the heart rhythm is uneven in any way. The expensive watches like the Apple watch and the Samsung or Withings ECG watches work in the same manner as the Kardia, and may be more what you want, but the Kardia is purpose made and designed for nothing else.

[Palpman]

I purchased a finger Pulse Oxymeter recently but the pulse rate us totally incorrect. The O2 is much better than the Samsung smartphone app.

[hayrisdnet]

Kardia seems ok. I use it to gage different actions to see if not in AFIB.example different doses of magnesium, COQ10.

[minidoxie]

i highly recommend the kardia. i take my resting HR each evening before going to bed to have a baseline of where i am, and also if im feeling nervous or anxious i can take it anytime during the day. it is a great peace of mind b/c many times im feeling a little anxious over something (which for me feels like a higher HR) and the results will come back normal!!

[MartinoH in reply to minidoxie]

Peace of mind is definitely what I’m after, thanks 😊

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hi MartinoH, the AliveCor Kardia Mobile is a hand held device that works alongside an app downloaded to your smartphone. If you are based in the UK, be advised that it is recognised by NICE and therefore many Health Care Professional welcome the data. There is a choice of a 1L or 6L device, both can record and ECG in 30 seconds and can detect if in possible AF etc. For further details you can visit our A F Association webpage for a demo video and price list heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

You may also like to download our 'Which ECG is Right for You?' booklet available from the Patient Services tab for information on other ambulatory devices.

booklet

[MartinoH in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thanks, Tracy, that’s really helpful, and good to know that it’s recognised by NICE 😊