A watch that will tell the user if there is an A Fib occurance.

[Private111]

Is there a watch one can wear, which lets the user know if there is irrregular pulse? One that will flash up a notification or alarm? I do not want one where I have to ask it to monitor at a specific time, then use an app. Thanks!

[kitenski]

yes the apple watch can alert to A Fib events as well as high when resting and low when resting.

In my experience you need to be in AF for a fair bit for it to trigger. My last auto alert it saw at 00:45 to 01:50, the one before the episode lasted from 23:02 to 00:23.

I also got a high HR reading after playing hockey all day in the hot sun and then sat in the bar afterwards, gave me quite a shock as it was a fairly loud alert!

[Healthyheart11 in reply to kitenski]

Hi ive used my fitbit sense the last 2 years .has been accurate...

[Monomono1234]

My cardiologist told me that heart rate monitors (like a Fitbit) are useless with AF. Since they only take a small snapshot of your rate and extrapolate it to a per minute rate. Does that sound true?

[Buffafly in reply to Monomono1234]

They use green light technology (like an oximeter) and can’t keep up with AF so don’t work accurately.

[kitenski in reply to Monomono1234]

Useless for what purpose? My Apple Watch has identified a fib episodes whilst I slept so that was useful for me.

[Monomono1234 in reply to kitenski]

Sorry. For heart rate monitoring. I still use it for relative rates though.

[beardy_chris]

A Withings ScanWatch alerts for AFib but I cannot verify its accuracy as I'm in permanent AF. It does spot it though!

(and it's cheaper than an Apple Watch - if that is a consideration)

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Patient Services recommend devices acknowledged by NICE, such as the Apple Watch or AliveCor Mobile Devices, you will find full listings of other wearable ECG monitors by downloading our 'Understanding ECG Monitors' booklet on the AF Association website api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Alternatively, you can view details regarding the AliveCor Kardia Mobile by visiting our Know Your Pulse Campaign heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... and Shop Online heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

booklet

[Dodie117]

Hi. I use Fitbit Inspire2 which costs about £50. It alerts me to any episodes that occur when I am resting/asleep. It doesn’t pick up on ones during the day but I am usually aware of any that happen then and use Kardia to monitor those.

This is a cheap option and has been approved for AF sufferers by FDA in US.

Works for me.

See below

……………

From FDA website:

NEWS RELEASE FDA

Roundup: April 12, 2022

For Immediate Release:April 12, 2022

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:On April 8, the FDA cleared Fitbit’s Irregular Rhythm Notifications softwareintended to be used with certain wrist-worn consumer products to analyze pulse rate data and identify episodes of irregular heart rhythms that may suggest possible atrial fibrillation. Fitbit’s Irregular Rhythm Notifications software is designed to notify the user when an irregular heart rhythm occurs while the user is not moving. It is intended for over-the-counter use. It is not intended to diagnose or treat atrial fibrillation; for use in people under 22 years of age; or for use in individuals previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

[FanOfPatterns]

Thanks for raising this issue snd for TracyAdmin joining in to give some useful pointers.

I’ve been researching AFib since getting diagnosed a few months ago. ECG’s are clearly the preferred diagnostic tool by medics. However, the research into PPG based info that smartwatches and other wearables can provide over long periods of time is clearly important, but the research and regulatory bodies are struggling to really get to grips with this. Most research into PPG based info is dominated by commercial interests. I believe there is real potential for citizen science to contribute in this area, especially if this can be combined with open source software that can collect and analyse the data users can easily gather using a smartwatch or similar.

I have been wearing a fitbit for a month or so since being diagnosed with AFib, I suggests I have persistent AFib. It is much better at identifying issues when I am asleep. I get from 6-14 alerts each night!

It is possible, but very, very, tedious to gather this information and do any interesting analysis of this.

I worry that doctors and consultants could have some really useful info available to them but it is impractical for a host of practical issues at present.

I am frustrated, but keen to find ways to improve this situation, both for myself and others, especially to help see how successful and long lasting interventions are.

I hope to have Cardioversion treatment in the autumn.