A simple monitoring device: A couple of... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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A simple monitoring device

AsparagusLover profile image
30 Replies

A couple of weeks ago amid a discussion about Apple Watches, home monitoring devices etc, a gent (Bob possibly) on here, named a simple device that records BP & I think any arrhythmia. He was very happy with it.

It sounded just right for me too BUT it stayed in my Google tabs for a while then disappeared. I normally write down things I want to follow up! Would dearly love to know the name - wasnt Omron.

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AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover
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30 Replies
Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

I don't know which you mean but my Omron BP machine records blood pressure and has a symbol that shows any erratic heart beat but it doesn't say what causes it. Most BP machines do the same.

AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover in reply toQualipop

Thank you for tackling my vague question Qualipop! Isn’t this forum splendid & totally addictive too. 😉

Will research Omicron devices. I can cope with simple! If only I had some tech savvy grandchildren nearby - I’d be more adventurous!

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toAsparagusLover

There are numerous machines. I'd suggest you ask your local chemist for a machine that records BP and erratic beats. It's just a wobbly looking heart symbol on mine. Mine also has a memory that holds about 20 BP readings so you can look back through them. It's simply two buttons and an arm cuff. One button to take BP and pulse ( the instruction book shows how to fit he cuff and how to sit) and the other button goes back through the memory. You can't possibly get it wrong. It doesn't have to be an Omron. I only got that brand because it's what my GPs use.

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply toQualipop

Hi

I began with a OMRON but within 2 years I took it back to the Chemist where I bought and it was replaced.

In AF Rapid and Persistant I got annoyed with it with ERRRRRs or ERRO

like an error.

When I saw there was a special on a MicroLife BP monitor.

I bought this one from a different Chemist.

It never says ERROR and I have had it for 3 years.

Be sure you get the correct CUFF size. It tells you which one you need. I settled on my sizeand it's not cumbersome as the other was.

Be sure to take off your long sleeves, also have the monitor above your heart.

Take 3 readings when you have rested . 15-20 minutes.

Then press record after each reading and divide total by 3.

If you have AF your Dr will get an accurate reading by placing her.his two fingers across your wrist veins or your carotid actery on your neck.

Cheri JOY. 75 (NZ)

PS. At 2 years 4 monthe since contrlled H/Rate and BP on

120mg AM CCB Diltiazem for control of heart rate DAY

2.5mg PM BB Bisoprolol for control BP PM

and PRADAXA 110mg x twice daily is my anti-co.agulant.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply toJOY2THEWORLD49

I got error messages with mine when I had bad arrhythmia. My heart rate was too erratic to measure anything. It was swinging from 40 t o 160 in seconds. The paramedics had never seen anything like it. No wonder the machine didn't work but even the error messages were a good thing to make me get help.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

omron BP machines will tell you if in arrythmia but as already stated - won’t give what type of arrythmia.

AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover in reply toCDreamer

Thank you for clear answer! Lot clearer than my half-baked query about what I’d half- remembered! 😉

pusillanimous profile image
pusillanimous in reply toCDreamer

The BP machines show the quivering heart for even a single missed beat. You can use the same machine two minutes later and it will show normal rhythm.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

The Omron Model: BP7900 will record both blood pressure and do an EKG. Other models only have a arrhythmia alert, which will not give you any specific information as to what type of arrhythmia.

Alternatively you could get a Kardia device for EKGs and a blood pressure device for blood pressure.

Jim

AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover in reply tomjames1

Thank you Jim. Will check that one out. About to start a new treatment pathway which I suspect, my old Healthpoint BP device, wont be detailed enough to satisfy what I need to know.

Think I might get a bit obsessive if I have a Kardia as well…….

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply toAsparagusLover

Kardia is actually one of the simplest devices to use. Can you clarify why you're looking for an ekg device and what you expect from it?

Jim

AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover in reply tomjames1

Is an ekg the same as ecg device. I know one is an Echo —- the other an Electro—— but I read that differentv countries use the initials interchangably. Im hoping for a normal SR following Amiodarone for a month another CV then an ablation. So I guess Ill be quietly doing a bit of checking to see if ‘the beast is back’. My only real symptom is breathless on uphill gradient & inability to carry shopping bags very far - hence the checks.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply toAsparagusLover

ecg is same as ekg. Echo is different and done at the doctor's office only. Electro (as in Electro Cardioversion) is also only done at a medical facility.

If you want to just periodically check for sinus rhythm, I recommended the Kardia. Simple to use and easy to share the ecg's with your doctor.

However, if you want to monitor things all the time in addition, then Apple Watch offers more, however more stuff to learn.

Jim

CoconutBob profile image
CoconutBob in reply tomjames1

I wanted to get a Kardia device but they advise not to get one if you have a pacemaker which I have had since 2007. Replaced once and is due to be replaced again in about 2 years.

mjames1 profile image
mjames1 in reply toCoconutBob

Yes, Kardia says it may be inaccurate with the pacemaker, but that might be something you could double check with your electrophysiologist.

Jim

Buzby62 profile image
Buzby62

Hi, something for all to be aware of when in AF

BP Measurement in Atrial Fibrillation

Extract from NICE Hypertension Guideline Update CG127 2011:

“Because automated devices may not measure blood pressure accurately if there is pulse irregularity (for example, due to atrial fibrillation), palpate the radial or brachial pulse before measuring blood pressure. If pulse irregularity is present, measure blood pressure manually using direct auscultation over the brachial artery. [new 2011]”

I believe there are some newer machines that will do BP while in AF but most standard models can be inaccurate when AF is present and BP should be done manually.

Best wishes

PS This guidance has been updated and replaced by nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136/... but that statement still exists (paragraph 1.1.2) and not updated since 2011

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156

So do you think it was Omron after all?

I only ask, as it may have been Steve (aka Ppiman) as I think he uses a Wellue device and I have seen him talk about it on here.

I believe that also does BP and arrythmia on an ECG but I’m afraid I don’t know any more than that.

Buzby62 profile image
Buzby62 in reply toTeresa156

When you mention someone you can tag them so they get an alert for the post.

When typing their name just put the @ sign before it and no space like so

Ppiman or Teresa156

As you type the name after @ you will get matches to click on. Steve will see this now as I’ve tagged him.

Teresa156 profile image
Teresa156 in reply toBuzby62

Thanks Buzby.

I should have done that.😊

It might not be the Wellue that Asparaguslover is interested in, but hopefully it might be.

AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover in reply toTeresa156

Now that rings a bell. Wellue - Im sure it was that! So now I know ehere to srart looking. What a magical place this site is!

I am always amazed at the time, trouble & kindness I encounter. Not forgetting how website tech savvy so many people are! 👏🤔 thank you all who helped me👍

Buzby62 profile image
Buzby62 in reply toAsparagusLover

Have a look at this post from Steve

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Best wishes

C1949K profile image
C1949K

You could also look at Kardia - supported by NHS Nice and British Heart Foundation.

Quovadisuk profile image
Quovadisuk

try checking in your history , and you mzy find the original posting regards

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

Most BP machines will detect irregular rhythm because the BP then is not accurate and the machine must advise of this.

I have tested several BP machine with ECG / AF detectors on board and found them okay but none too practical (these were by Omron and Withings).

The easiest ECG devices are the Apple or similar smart watches with Apple's being fully FDA approved and similar. I wouldn't be without mine. It shows "P" waves well enough to allow assurance of NSR or otherwise. I use two Wellue devices regularly which both use an advanced AI system that gives far more data, freely, compared with the Kardia AI "advanced" system that costs a monthly fee of around £10.00. The smaller Wellue is a current bargain at about £70.00 direct from the company.

Steve

AsparagusLover profile image
AsparagusLover in reply toPpiman

Thnx Steve. Cant find a Wellue site that isnt in dollars - whatever I type into Google. Can you help? Like the sound of the £70 special offer but stymied by search!! Janet

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply toAsparagusLover

Type ‘Wellue uk’ to get uk sales only - Amazon uk lists them

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply toBuffafly

I bought from them in dollars and got a good exchange rate but if you click on the top right on the "$" sign you can select "£". Also, if you do, tap in the discount code (on the final screen before you pay) "WELCOME" and you will receive a further 10% off. Shipping is super quick in my experience (of buying two). The price with discount is about £77.00 inc. postage.

The same from Amazon at present is £149 less £20 at present.

Steve

Pollywaffle10 profile image
Pollywaffle10

Hello from Australia. I have a BP Monitor called

Microlife, it will record a single BP or can be switched to AF mode. It then takes three readings one after the other, and if it detects AF it shows up on the screen.

It has a flashing heart on screen so you can see if you are missing heart beats or having rapid beats. It was about £70 in your money!

Ducky2003 profile image
Ducky2003

If you're anything like me, you don't need a gadget to tell you you're in AF but I have a Fitbit Versa 2 which does notify AF successfully. The Fitbit Sense range has an ECG function if you're not an Apple fan.😊

Yaxman2 profile image
Yaxman2

I think you looking for a Kardia. It is a very simple device that you use with your smartphone to record an ECG. It can also detect AF, BC and other forms on arrhythmia. They are less than $100. You can also use it with your Omron Connect app to record and maintain a history of your ECGs as well.

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