Watches for afib

[Lran70]

Can someone tell me the watch you wear that let's you know you are in afib

[BenHall1]

I use a Withings Scan Watch Horizon - Hybrid - about £268.

[CDreamer in reply to BenHall1]

Is that dedicated to one phone or device or can you use Android, Microsoft or Apple John?

[BenHall1 in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CD,

This is the precise model I bought - with 42mm watch face. ( see below )

Works great with Android ( which is my demon of choice ) however is available for IOS, so the advertising blurb says. I think it also comes with a 38 mm watch face.

I chose this for two reasons 1) cheaper than Apple and 2) can also pick up data when on the move and active and of course it has a dedicated workout data too .... if you are into that, I'm not. For me the main thing is to pick up as much data as I can when I am in sort of day to day activity mode, mundane things around house, shopping etc.

If I'm in couch potato mode I then have the choice of this watch or Kardia.

[CDreamer in reply to BenHall1]

iWatch does all of above too. Thanks John, I was aware of the Withings and seems to get really good reviews. I asked because I think it is more about what other tech you have which the watch will work with rather than the actual watch.

When I used to train - everyone including me - had Fitbit. Gave fab data but the build was so appalling they fell apart. After having to buy 3 in 12 months I decided it was cheaper to buy the Apple, as I had all Apple tech anyways, so synching was seamless. I’ve only had to buy 3 iWatches in the last 8 years - I had a fall breaking my wrist and watch, they brought out the ECG with O2 monitoring, last year - just because so Hubble got my old watch - then bought himself the latest version which was the one after mine!

[BenHall1 in reply to CDreamer]

I have to say, I've only had this watch for about 8 days and am still coming to terms with its capabilities. During the day I'll post on here some of its statistical reporting. One its ECG and the other its Health Report.

[ainslie in reply to CDreamer]

Do we know if any of these watches inc Apple will do a ecg if heart rate is above 120, I have the Fitbit sense 2 and watch showed hear rate 145 when walking fast (normal bpm at fast walk is say 105), I tried to do a ecg on watch to check and it said can’t do ecg because bpm is over 120, that seems pretty useless to me.

Second limitation I noticed was that I set bpm alerts at under 50 and over 120 but read that it will only send the alerts if sitting quietly for some time, ie if driving or walking around it won’t send alerts , a bit useless I thought, do any of the other watches do this better.?

[Buzby62 in reply to ainslie]

Apple Watch

An AFib result means the heart is beating in an irregular pattern. AFib is the most common form of serious arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm. If you receive an AFib classification and you have not been diagnosed with AFib, you should talk to your doctor. The ECG app ver. 1 can check for AFib between 50 and 120 BPM. The ECG app ver. 2 can check for AFib between 50 and 150 BPM.

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

High and low alerts will be based on resting rates I believe, otherwise there would be too many alerts while doing almost anything.

Best wishes

[ainslie in reply to Buzby62]

Thankyou 👍

[CDreamer in reply to ainslie]

Apple will take ECG reasonably and at any HR which should not stop an ECG function from operating. What the Fitbit algorithm might do is distinguish between 120 during exercise - which would be normal - and 120 at rest which would be an indicator of possible AF or unusual Tachycardia? Just a thought.

[Treschere in reply to ainslie]

Hi the Withings will read your heart rate at any level rate, and take the ECG, sometimes though it can't give the reading result if it's another rhythm then it says, it isn't possible.

[bean_counter27 in reply to CDreamer]

I have had a Withings Scanwatch for a couple of years. It has limited functionality compared to full smart watches like Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy watches etc. However, if the limited functions cover your needs then it's battery life is orders of magnitude better than full smart watches. I would charge mine daily while showering, which was normally enough for it to be back to 100% by the time I dressed. It claims to have 30 day battery life but not the way I used it. Easily get several days to a week, which is much better than my Samsung Galaxy Watch4. It struggles to last a day at times, even with limited use and takes an hour or 2 to charge back up. It really comes down to which device best suits your needs within your budget. We're all different so it's less about which is the best device and more about which one best suits your needs.

[mjames1]

Most use the Apple Watch. Another popular choice the Kardia device. Not a watch, but it will take your EKG and it is well accepted by Cardiologists.

Jim

[CDreamer]

Apple iWatch but you need an Apple iPhone to use the watch. Also have Kardia - much better for ECG trace but doesn’t do anything else whilst the watch does a ton of other stuff including continuous HR monitoring. Depends what you a device for and how familiar you are with tech.

[Buzby62]

Apple Watch for me but you need to be aware none of them actually tell you that you are in AF. They may alert you that irregular rhythm has been detected and that it shows signs of possible AF. They won’t capture all your AF and won’t alert you immediately. It can take several hours of irregular heart rate before any alert and sometimes no alert at all. This is a limitation of the optical sensors used for background heart rate monitoring on these devices.

The only way to confirm AF is to do an ECG electrically if your device has the capability.

Apple explain here: support.apple.com/en-us/HT2...

Best wishes

[Buzby62 in reply to Buzby62]

Sorry all, it looks like my link was removed by moderation team, I don’t understand this as I have previously had permission from    TracyAdmin to insert Apple Support links. I was not made aware of edit. I see  BenHall1 reply above was also edited by moderation team.

Edit: link re inserted

[Carew]

I have an Apple Watch 8. And it shows me in afib quite clearly - and correctly.

However, as that is 100% of the time, it is not at all illuminating. If that changes, I do at least have something to compare - for example, if I was only in afib half the time!

I do appreciate the heart rate monitoring. Doesn't make a huge difference but I can see that the highest and lowest over weeks and months do change and sometimes reflect other things.

The high heart rate alert which appears when I have had a high rate for ten minutes while otherwise not very active can be a reminder. However, much of the time, I already know that from how I feel.

And I also appreciate the ECG function - though I don't actually use it very often as the traces tend to be very similar.

[Blearyeyed]

Kardia devices are more accurate , cost efficient , and recommended for use ( and in some areas prescribed) on the NHS.They are small , you can even carry them with you on a walk or exercising in a padded pouch and do the test with your Kardia and phone.

Smart watches are not as accurate , no matter which brand is used , and their data is harder for EPs to make a diagnosis of aFib from according to medical research studies.

You get more false negative , false positive and unclassified results on ECGs done on watches than a Kardia and results are effected more from movement , efficient contact and outside disturbance from other devices.

They are also not accurate in reading your blood pressure for people with existing health issues , although they are a good indicator of heart rate.

This is because the BP is calculated from heart rate readings based on algorithms for the generally healthy population.

So , people whom suffer Tachycardia or Bradycardia symptoms and conditions get BP readings that are either much higher or much lower than their actual BP or those showed on a cuff BP monitor.

All devices are only good as a guideline to get further help , and if symptoms are present or worsening they need to be checked out properly with a medical grade ECG.

Although the Kardia data is usually good to download and take to appointments as Cardiologists and EPs are more receptive to looking at it as evidence of your ongoing symptoms.

Smart watches are mainly helpful to keep an idea on your heart rate and activity levels , and as a reminder to take a rest and breath if HR goes too high during activities ( or to breath , do some light activity or move around if the heart rate is very low).

If you were trying to get an accurate idea of your aFib status you'd use the watch to check if you may need to use your Kardia , then Kardia results to indicate whether you need to retest with it after a period of rest, then speak to a professional or go to get medical help if your symptomatic for a ECG.

So you can actually get better results all around , and save money , by having any basic review recommended Smart Watch, a 6L Kardia ( check if you are eligible for a free unit with your surgery or EP) and a recommended cuff taken blood pressure monitor.

[Mrsvemb]

I have both Kardia 6L and an Apple Watch. Both have their uses. Kardia is the most accurate for ECG as it does a 6 lead ECG. Medical professionals are happy to receive these.

I use the Apple Watch more for how many steps I have done, or monitoring heart rate. Useful as it warns of a high heart rate after 10 minutes of being inactive. Various other things like oxygen levels and much more. I think that most watches, android or IOS are much the same

So for me both have their uses.

[Jonathan_C]

I have written this before and being blasted it for, but will say it again. I used quality heart rate monitoring devices in the years before i went into a-fib - mostly polar and often used a chest strap. I still use a polar m430 when exercising.

A little sensor on your wrist watch cannot possibly - IMVHO- give you an accurate reading of your heart rate if you are not in normal sinus rhythm. It may indicate there is arrythmia (because the HR jumps around unusually), but that is it.

[CDreamer in reply to Jonathan_C]

You are entirely entitled to your opinion without being blasted for it and I hope no one on the forum has done that but we are allowed to respectively disagree.

I know from experience that it does not give 100% accurate readings and for athletic purposes a chest monitor will always be much more accurate but green light technology has been tested and approved for medical analysis so it is good enough IMHO for the purposes of providing feedback indicating sustained high heart rate and then measuring the rhythm and reporting, or not, AF.

[Jonathan_C in reply to CDreamer]

This respectfulness is very much appreciated.

The point I am trying to make - which i think you get - is a heart rate monitor on the wrist will show your heart is out of rhythm. But it will show that your heart rate is at (lets say) 80bpm, then suddenly at 120bpm and then drop to 65bpm and so on

When I first saw that (before I chose to live with persistent afib) I knew i was not in NSR - which has its value and I would trust that as "reliable evidence" of afib/arrhythmia.

But I have since learnt that I have no idea whether when the watch is saying my heart rate in 80bpm whether it is actually 80 or 100 or whether its jumping between 60 and 120.

I have a loop recorder and will get a detailed download in mid June and will compare that to my watch recordings and feedback here.

[AKatieD]

Garmin Venu and othe models do ECG but only on demand, not continuously so you can use it to check for Afib but won't alert you if you are unaware

[fairgo45]

I have the Fitbit Versa 3 but it's ability to warn me i have afib and as I'm in permanent afib it drives me crazy with reams of alerts so it might suit you but I have to turn it off

[Gincalpe]

I use an Apple Watch but it does also need an Apple iPhone. My GP, EP and cardiology nurse are happy to receive emails with ECG trace as it is reliable.

[KelliEAnniE]

hi I have a Fitbit 5 this lets me know when I'm in AF

[DevonHubby1]

We use a FitBit Charge 4. Cost under £100. It has an ECG function that will confirm if in AF or NSR.

[Cat715]

Hi I have a Withings watch. It doesn't alert when I am in AF. Its the other way round as when I feel the symptoms I then use the watch to generate an ecg.The ecgs have been accepted by GPs and a Cardiologist who all agreed that the ecgs showed AF.

[OzRob]

I have Withings, brilliant for Afib, my cardiologist said the reports I brought to him were the best he had seen from a wrist device.

[OzRob in reply to OzRob]

(I did not need a watch to tell me I was in Afib, it was quite obvious when in AF. It was more important to record the event)

[Ppiman]

The most durable, sophisticated, tested and refined smart watch is by Apple. It retains its value well, too, should you come to sell it. It needs an iPhone to accompany it.

It has a proven ECG function that is approved by various health authorities and produces excellent ECG graphs which will impress your cardiologist. These are limited in what they will "diagnose": AF, Inconclusive, High Heart Rate and Low Heart Rate. The graph itself, however, shows all activity of the heart and, for example an ectopic beat such as a PAC or PVC is easy to self-diagnose.

It does so much, even guiding you around a strange city with its onboard GPS and superb mapping.

Steve

[Ducky2003]

I have a Fitnit Versa 2. It's 4 years old and about a year ago, they bought it AF detection as an update.Very handy a few weeks ago when I went back into AF after 2 years free. I don't need a device to tell me I'm in AF but it's useful as it gave details of my heart rate second by second, particularly useful when I was sleeping. There are newer models with ECGs but I'm happy with my oldie.

[Lupaal]

Fitbit sense

[bassets]

I have an watch which gives me a weekly report on my Af as well as detecting it.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello

You will find details regarding a variety of wearable ECG monitors in the 'Understanding ECG Monitors' booklet available to download from the AF Association resources: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Dudtbin]

i use Fitbit mainly for. The steps! I used to check heart rate all the time but don’t bother now.

[Orbitpluto]

I have a wrist, it has a pulse in it, tells me instantly if I'm in Afib, best part is, it's free..

[OzJames]

I have Apple 8 watch and it’s excellent. The interesting thing is if you have one short episode only of 5 mins of AF it will not alert you however it checks periodically and if it picks up arrhythmia over a longer period it sends you notification. An example is say 1pm 2pm and 3pm then you get an alert. I like others know when I’m in AF and sit quietly and activate ECG which I email to my Cardiologist secretary for his review.

[Lacontie]

Apple Watch is the most accurate I feel and can alert you to Afib or you can test at any time.

I have now set mine on weekly ( alerts are cancelled in this mode) and it gives me a report each Monday with a % figure of how long I was in Afib across the whole week which I find useful plus you can still do a test at any time.

[Foxglo]

I have an Apple Watch shows AF and ECG recording easily thst can be emailed to my Cardiologist. I am not experienced with IT but can use this easily. Knowing it has the ECG facility I think has had an emotional effect on me too I think because of the reassurance it gives catching AF Sny thing over 100 I record and ping off to Cardiologist. Also being able to do the readings easily one gets details of length of episode and speed of recovery as well as catching them. No idea what others are like mine works with my iPhone.

[kliving]

I have the Samsung watch 6 and the only "complaint" is battery life could be better, and I would like to customize the amount of time in AFIB more to suit my needs. It defaults to 4 hours and I don't see anyway to change it. But it works as expected and the ECG seems better than the Apple Watch to me, from comparisons with others. They all pretty much do the same things, so get the one that fits your budget best.

[Shopgal67]

Hi , my cardiologist suggested an Apple Watch that had an ECG , I have PAF and it was proving difficult to catch .

I know I’m in afib as I can feel it jumping around but I needed proof so he could see how often.

It sends me a report every Monday detailing my %burden , the days it happens and the time .

[moleman37]

I want through three Fitbit Charge 5's - liked the watch but they kept bricking due to buggy software upgrades. Six months ago I had enough and changed to Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (I have a Samsung, Android phone) and so far I love it. It's a bit thicker than the Fitbit but it looks far better and has more robust features. Tracks my heart rate, AFIB and solid reporting of sleep/exercise.