I’ve just started using a Wellue, and it’s brilliant to be able to take a continuous 1 lead ecg (other than downloading and charging time) and the information it gives, with AI analysis.
I’ve got a question from those who can read ecgs - my AI analysis says I had some PVCs and then a Ventricular Tachycardia overnight. Obviously at some point the trace breaks up, which I haven’t had before. I’m a bit worried by the idea of having a VT. Can any tell me if this is an accurate analysis or not? Thanks!
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JaneFinn
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I would defer such a serious question your question to an ep and not anyone here.
That said, according to Dr. Anthony Pearson's professional review of the Wellue, inaccuracies such as false VT's are common with a non-fda approved device.
Here is an excerpt from Dr. Anthony Pearson's review of Wellue.
The skeptical cardiologist wants to emphasize that this review was written by a physician-user who has the capability of interpreting his own ECGs. Thus, when the Wellue AI diagnosed ventricular tachycardia he could recognize that it was being fooled by artifact. Such inaccuracies in my experience are common with non-FDA approved personal ECG monitors.
I think it’s worth posting the summary from the same review:
”In my opinion, the usefulness, compactness and low cost of the Wellue ECG recorder far outweigh its problems. If the company continues to develop and improve this product, I have no doubts that its applications and ease of use will continually increase.”
The AI analysis is very useful so far as my direct experience is concerned. A report of VT might well be wrong on occasion as this study showed but it’s also the case that this particular and potentially dangerous arrhythmia requires an expert to differentiate it from aberrant conduction of the kind a much less important bundle branch block, for example, would create. Better, I think, that the Wellue report errs on the side of caution and reports VT but with the guidance to discuss this finding with their doctor rather than rely on the device itself.
The Kardia is FDA approved but only for a much narrower range of conduction disorders, mainly AF itself, of course along with PACs and PVCs. It does not detect VT or bundle branch blocks, unlike the Wellue.
I fully agree, Steve. I’ve only had my 24 hour Wellue recorder for a week but I’ve been amazed and impressed by what it does, in both recording and analysing. It’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for, to catch those arrhythmia that I miss with my Kardia, whether when sleeping or just too short for the Kardia to capture. I’d rather it flagged up possible concerns for me to check out, than miss things that need attention.
Spot on, Jane. It's proven to be a far more useful device than I ever imagined it might be. It was a couple of users here who put me onto it and I am ever grateful to them.
It was similar to when I first came upon this forum. I was struggling with an overly racing heart thanks to my persistent atrial flutter, which 10mg of bisoprolol would hardly touch. I was utterly debilitated, not helped by the anxiety, of course. It was a kindly member here who sent me a private message and suggested I might ask my doctor to try digoxin. Well, that proved to be a real corner that I turned. I am, in general, truly fed up with social media in general, but small corners of the world wide web are very worthwhile. This little corner is one of them.
I see on a web search that the Wellue (Viatom) AI algorithm used by their devices is FDA approved, Jim (i.e. as opposed to the device itself). I don't quite know what that means but it was interesting to note that.
As everyone has said, best show to a qualified person. That said, I had something that looked like that and my cardiologist thought it was VT but showed it to a more experienced colleague who diagnosed AF with aberrant conduction. Don’t ask me to explain exactly what that is but I suppose the point is that these arrhythmias are not always obvious.
Thanks Sixtyslidogirl, that’s v interesting to hear what happened to you - and you’re right it can take a real expert to read them sometimes. I’ve emailed the arrhythmia nurses connected to my EP so hopefully someone will see it next week.
I've got one so am familiar with some of the typical errors. I'm no expert in ECG's, but I would do some test recordings using the ViHealth app so you can see the results near instantly. I use the stick on ECG patches (got them from eBay or Aliexpress) as I found the chest strap unreliable. It's very sensitive to movement - so when you are sleeping and turn over then it can give you readings like this. I've found limited use when walking / exercising - generally need to be stationary to get much definition the the trace, so take my readings for a couple of minutes when standing or ideally sitting.
The app is quite good - rather than having to plug it in and wait you can see real time and then take a 30s or minute sample.
It's a great device - gives me piece of mind when in an AF episode and loads more info than watch.
Thanks so much, Tom. Sorry for the delay in being able to reply, but I've found your post really helpful. I'm new to the Wellue and hadn't been able to either access the app or get the patches to work on my skin, so was only using the strap, which seems to be working fine even when walking and sleeping. I contacted Wellue and they've been able to help me out. So thanks for your tips, v helpful.
I'm still waiting to hear back from the arrhythmia nurses about the potential VT that was recorded. Jx
Did you hear from the nurse, Jane? My Wellue trace also showed some VT but I saw a cardiologist last week and he was quite happy that I was okay and that the trace was caused by the bundle block that I have.
I'm grateful to the Wellue, though, since it got me to see my GP about this, then to the cardiologist!
One thing I think is needed with the Wellue for it to make a good quality trace is for the ECG to be taken lying down on the back since lying on the side, as I do when sleeping, squashes the two electrodes together and can sometimes result in a much poorer trace.
Sorry for such a delay in replying, Steve. (I’ve not been well enough to be on here.)
I’m so glad your news was good, what a relief! Unfortunately for me, although the original VT flagged up by Wellue was thought to be probably interference, I’ve now had multiple more episodes of VT. I was wearing the Wellue with electrodes rather than the strap, and those Wellue recordings clear as a bell. The arrhythmia nurses confirmed it, sent me a holter monitor which confirmed further VT episodes. I’m gutted… but I’m grateful I had the Wellue or it wouldn’t have been picked up. Jx
PS Btw in case it helps anyone looking on here - I find I can sleep on my side with the Wellue on, and still get perfect recordings, as I have the monitor placed vertically in the centre of my chest, so it doesn’t squish at any point.
I'm currently wearing a 48-hour monitor to confirm what the specialist thinks - that all a coming from the atrial conduction issues which also cause the less frequent AF. Looking online, it does seem that he's right.
What symptoms are you having these days? I'm sure you will be sorted out soon. VT itself seems to have various causes that are resolvable.
That’s very reassuring to hear, thanks - I hope you’re right! And I hope your monitor confirms what your specialist thinks - do let us know.
My only symptoms with the arrhythmia so far are awareness of irregularity, feeling like I’ve been winded, needing to sit down, or try to breathe. Praying I never have long enough VT episodes to be worse. Funnily enough I haven’t had any AF for a while, though some short SVT. (My unwellness hasn’t been connected to the arrhythmia, thankfully, just my other conditions! Plus lately some awful chronic migraines.) Jx
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