Monitor for Afib

[JoDogBlue]

Hi all,Having gone into permanent Afib after a covid infection with no previous history I've had a cardioversion whist on amiodarone. As far as I'm aware I'm still in sinus rhythm and now off amiodarone (thank goodness). I'm on the waiting list for an ablation. My question is it worth getting some kind of Af monitor and if so which one would people suggest?

[Bloodredroses]

welllll …… like using BP monitor every day can be a help or make more anxious , it might be the same ??

[Buzby62]

Apple Watch for me but you have to pair it with an iPhone, other manufacturers make models for android phones and the technology is much the same.

There are some limitations to these devices, they won’t catch everything and also you can get some false high readings if you’re doing something that involves moving your arms/hands or it’s not fitting snugly. Having said that I find the watch great as an indicator something may be up and then a quick ECG which is more accurate can confirm what’s happening electrically with your heart.

This Apple support link explains the two methods of monitoring your heart, Optically and Electrically and some of the limitations and anomalies.

support.apple.com/en-us/HT2...

and Taking an ECG support.apple.com/en-gb/HT2...

Others will tell you they can cause more anxiety than they’re worth and that is true if you let the anomalies wind you up. Personally I don’t know how people with PAF manage without something like this if they want to know what their heart is doing. In 3 years of PAF my watch has captured over 40 episodes and only 1 episode has been recorded officially at my GP surgery to confirm an episode captured on the watch. None of the tests or investigations including 48hr monitor captured anything at all.

Just my opinion, hope it helps.

[JoDogBlue in reply to Buzby62]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into the options

[Blearyeyed]

The Kardia 6L is recommended by the NHS and many cardiac units have started to provide them to patients to help them monitor their symptoms if the Cardio requires for regular results to be sent to them.It's tested as more accurate and recordings are easier for professionals to read.

Therefore , more professionals have heard about the Kardia and are willing to have faith in results you provide to them tested on Kardia devices.

If you aren't suffering symptoms or a sudden change they suggest that you don't test yourself daily but once a week , at approximately the same time of day , or morning and evening on the same day of the week, after resting with legs raised for 20-30 minutes before taking the test.

They suggest this is the best way to keep a log of your blood pressure with a cuff monitor as well.

It's then a good idea to write down your results in a diary just in case you have a difficulty connecting for info during an Emergency.

[JoDogBlue in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks for the information, I'll look into getting one of those

[TopBiscuit]

I have an Apple watch and a Kardia 6L. I know some people find devices anxiety provoking but personally I find knowing what's going on with my body and being able to monitor it very reassuring.

I suffer from PAF and in fact had already got an Apple watch prior to developing PAF and couldn't really see the point of the ECG function other than the novelty value. Until my first episode of AFib that is! I've been so happy I've had the watch since then. Apart from anything else, it's confirmed that I'm not having AF when I'm not aware of it.

I got the Kardia so that I could email 'my cardiologist' the results if required but it turns out that 'my cardiologist' doesn't exist so so much for that. When I do finally get one I'll have plenty of information for them!

[Iamfuzzyduck]

I use the apple watch-I used the ECG function when I suspected afib and it confirmed it. The watch also alerted my friend he had afib after covid-he has since had a successful ablation. I can also send the ECG runs to my EP. But you need the iPhone…