AF and the following after effects

[Keep-pumping]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post and I just wanted to see if anyone has an opinion on using the mobile ecg devices that are now available such as the Kardia 6L etc…

I have had AF for a while now, it started after I’d had pericarditis, mostly it didn’t last too long and didn’t cause me too much of a problem, but recently it is becoming more frequent, lasts up to two hours or so and then leaves me feeling really ill for the following 24 hours, I also get jaw ache and my left arm is “uncomfortable”.

So I wondered if anyone, who might have similar symptoms, has bought a device to home monitor their rhythm and what response they get from their GP when the present any readings as evidence of a past episode of AF or other arrhythmia? I ask the question as I have heard that some GP’s won’t even look at self diagnostics which to me seems crazy if done on a device which gives readings apparently that are to medical grade, as surely all evidence is useful in finding a solution to a problem.

Many thanks

[Sewnknit]

When is your next cardiology appointment?If you haven't got one in the near future, give them a ring and say that things are getting worse. You should be having some kind of follow up.

[Keep-pumping in reply to Sewnknit]

Hi, thanks for taking time to reply, I actually am waiting for an appointment but I guess as with everything it’s just taking more time at the moment, but should I have another day like yesterday I shall not hesitate to be calling someone,Thanks again

[Stentrunner]

The ECG printout from my Apple Watch is in my records in Cardiology. It was the first indication I had of AFib, waking at 1am with HR at 140. The cardiologist said the ECG was better than he’d have expected and clearly showed the AFib. He still followed up with 24hr and 7-day Holter - the 24 hour found no AFib, the 7-day found quite a few episodes, none very long-lasting. So I’m quite happy to have this as a stand-by, and my cardiologist isn’t discouraging me, but says it’ll never be as good or reliable as a ‘proper’ ECG.

[Keep-pumping]

Many thanks for taking time to reply.That is very useful to know,

Thanks again and good luck

[Hidden]

I have the Kardia 6 Lead and my Cardio NP's love it. We tested it against their ECG kit and gave almost identical readings on the 6 leads in question (they performed a 12 lead ECG).

Once a month, or during a 'bad spell' - I can download the ECG as a PDF which I can then e-mail to my Cardio NP's for review. They all sit on my records, and as our GP's and NHS Trust a linked via 'System One' - what one gets, the other gets access to as well.

Thankfully, 9 months on, whilst I still do not what the lines and squiggles mean, I know when the picture indicates nothing to worry about 👍

Whilst my medication is still being fine tuned to manage my AF - I now have the surgery 'Pharmacy Specialist' and NP making use its readings to evaluate and make changes accordingly. They really do seem to like these devices for Cardio management and observation - just wish they were cheaper to buy, but I don't regret getting mine.

[Keep-pumping in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks for taking time to reply and that was extremely useful to read,I think I’ve already decided to buy the same, as what I read about them online suggests they are accurate, easy to use and readings easy to share.

Thanks again, really useful thoughts.

[Hidden in reply to Keep-pumping]

Good luck with getting your AF sorted - it is an annoiyng unpredictable condition.

[Cat715]

Hi. I have a Withings scan watch. If you feel an AF episode coming on you select the AF sensor on the watch and it generates a 30 second ecg on your phone. I have a Samsung Android. The ecg is easily stored as a PDF and easy to send to the GP. The GP was a bit doubtful but sent a copy to a Cardiologist who immediately confirmed it was AF.