Hi, I was wondering how useful and/or value for money the paid for Kardia service for a 6lead monitor is? Can anyone share their experience of the quality and usefulness of feedback?I am monitored at a low level or after the event yet to happen level by my general hospital EP's , from a two lead ICD device remote report at three months. This is a desk job without face to face contact or even guaranteed feedback. I am aware from seeing my most recent ECG hospital trace that I have left anterior fascicular block reported in the summary analysis and I would like to know more about this.
Throughout my hospital stay I was only made aware of checking for ventricular tachycardia and was never made aware of the above information in any feedback about general heart electrophysiology.
I would hope to understand this a little better from providing regular Kardia traces to an independent source. But will I get granular detail?
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SamAdminAdministratorArrhythmia AllianceAF Association
Good afternoon
Thank you for your post on the Atrial Fibrillation support group. The AliveCor Kardia Mobile device is recognised by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and therefore the data produced is welcomed by many Health Care Professionals. There are many similar wearable devices available to suit a range of budgets, all offer a similar service of recording an ECG via an algorithm, so when choosing the correct device, you need to make sure it is the correct one for you. I am sure the other members on the support forum will be able to advise and share their own opinions and experiences with you.
You will find further information, including a demo video available on the AF Association website: Know Your Pulse - AF Association
Thanks Sam. I do have a 6l device recommended by my GP following a very early Bradycardia referral. Not used for two years and without a subscription it doesn't offer much interpretation. The quality of trace is very good, just need to know whether the quality of subscription support is equal to the device. Hopefully I'll get some experience shared.
I am aware from seeing my most recent ECG hospital trace that I have left anterior fascicular block reported in the summary analysis and I would like to know more about this.
I've subscribed to the Kardia paid service and found it very useful, especially early on when I didn't know how to read an EKG.
That said, I don't think the Kardia technicians or Cardiologists are going to educate or discuss your condition in detail and probably will limit the consultation to their opinion of what kind of arrhythmia the Kardia showed. Of course you could call Kardia to confirm this.
My reasons for for getting the paid subscription was primarily same-day access to a technician or cardiologist to confirm if a Kardia afib reading was actually afib. And secondarily EKG cloud storage and loss protection.
But now that I know know how to read an EKG better and have had a succesful ablation, I should probably cancel the subscription along with a few other subscriptions that I really don't need anymore.
Thanks Jim, that's helpful to know. I'm never aware of my heart even when it's not behaving, so I can't just check it out because I never get the what's happening here moment. My LVT was picked up as the cause of my syncope because I had an ILR in at the time. One and only event, I had less the 2 seconds of notice and not enough time to stop myself running into the ground face first! Maybe a better wearable device is the way to go. Thanks again.
I have tried Kardia with and without subscription. In my case (I also have a "wide QRS" caused by left bundle branch block and lots of ectopic beats), the non-subscription analysis became frustrating. With subscription, it wasn't a lot better as the number of arrhythmias it checks for is rather low for the extra cost.
That said, I came to feel that the Kardia had been developed, essentially, for people with only AF and not for people with other arrhythmias along with AF. It is a monthly subscription, though, so I would try it and see and cancel if you aren't satisfied. It is an exceptionally good ECG device, but, in the end - not for me and I sold it and bought a different ECG, one by Wellue, which has free AI analysis and no fees.
I think it depends upon your needs. If you have any questions, perhaps send me a private message using the "Chat" button above?
The one I currently use most often is a new one from Contec, the PM20, also sold by Emay. It's a 6-lead ECG which, despite using finger tip contacts, seems to give a good quality trace, has a fine screen and offers a useful set of determinations.
Can I ask about your new Contec PM20. The website isn't clear, but how many determinations are listed as possible in their Reports? (Compared to the 17 listed by Wellue)
Is the Report and the AI analysis for the Contec PM20 performed offline within the relevant Contec phone App, or do you need to have online connection for the Report? I am thinking it might be similar to the new 24/72 hour Wellue device that now, in addition to the full AI analysis via online connection, also offers a limited AI analysis via their App.
It's not as comprehensive as the Wellue AI determinations, Bob - more like Kardia. It is given immediately though and on the screen of the device. It's a sharp and bright screen, too, and it offers 6 leads as an option. It only runs for a maximum of 30 seconds, and takes quite a while to settle down before it starts it run (the display goes from orange to green once it starts recording). I seem to produce too much electricity in my body for some reason (maybe muscle activity as I'm a stressful type).
I found the PM20 device on offer for $94 from the Contec Europe store online, but it arrived from China. I notice that the EMAY company, who are more well established in Europe, now offer the same device on their website and with 20% discount. I bought it on the spur of the moment, partly because the Wellue kept occasionally showing VT erroneously, being fooled (my doctor assures me...) by my "wide QRS" / LBBB). I use it frequently now.
Thanks for your feedback. Very helpful. I was actually pleasantly surprised that the list of possible determinations on the PM20 seems much more comprehensive and useful (at 12) than the limited 4 provided on my no subscription Kardia 6L (viz. NSR, possible AF, tachycardia & bradycardia). The full online AI Report from Wellue only mentions a few more possible determinations at 17.
But sadly it doesn't do the nighttime monitoring I need. So I am still considering the new Wellue 24/72 hour models, which are being offered on the Wellue website now with a discount for the first time ever(?) at 15%. Still very expensive though.
Yes - Kardia is lacking in my view for the price and monthly fee but they are held to their FDA approval, I guess. They aren’t expensive for what they do, I suppose, but stop a chunk. I paid over three months using PayPal if I recall.
I cancelled my subscription when they stopped doing reviews for Australian subscribers - but neglected to announce it! I paid to have a few extra rhythm AI identified and no back up support for at least 4 months that I can tell. It’s a scam and very poor service. Even when I highlighted it to them I received no response.
Hi AllThank you for the helpful replies and the introduction to alternative options to the Kardia.
I think I need to reflect now on the limitations of the devices and the level of insight I hope to get.
Given my lack of sensitivity for feeling my heart functioning other than taking a pulse, I probably need a wearable device. Since my second ICD revision on May 1st after the initial implant failed, I have felt one run of taps from the ICD which woke me up in the night. Most likely because my HR dropped below 35.
Clearly as AI becomes more effective then these devices will replace some of the expertise we are currently dependent upon but which is rationed to the point of being ineffective in many hospitals at the moment.
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