Are portable heart monitors worth it? I bought this $99 ECG for my elderly parents — here's what an expert says
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
The KardiaMobile portable ECG is a popular device on Amazon Canada (more than 1,000 people purchased it in the last month) and is clearly a big hit with customers — but how did it fare with my parents? I also spoke with a medical expert who provided insights on whether purchasing the portable ECG is a good investment for managing heart health. Keep scrolling to read what she had to say and get the scoop on this "peace of mind" device.
Amazon reviewers say this portable ECG monitor is "convenient for travel" and provides "accurate" results.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a quick test that records the electrical signals in the heart; in layman's terms, it checks your heartbeat. The results of an ECG can help diagnose heart attacks and irregular heartbeats.
Measuring just 14.3 x 9.3 x 2.9 cm and weighing 100g, the KardiaMobile offers medical-grade ECGs at the touch of a finger.
The compact tool has been approved to detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia or normal heart rhythm in thirty seconds. It's important to note that it will not detect a heart attack.
After downloading the free Kardia app, you are able to start using the wireless device, which only requires one mental lithium battery (included).
To get started, open the app and tap "record EKG" on your phone. Make sure the KardiaMobile is near your phone, and gently place your fingers on each of the sensors. In thirty seconds, you will have your results, which you can save on the app to show your doctor at your next visit.
You don't need a Kardia subscription to use the device; however, gaining access to all the features requires a paid subscription of either $12 monthly or $99 annually. Purchasing it will entitle you to more comprehensive monitoring, such as the detection of sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus rhythm with supraventricular ectopy (SVE) and sinus rhythm with wide QRS.
With the paid subscription, you also get additional benefits such as cloud storage, blood pressure monitoring, medication tracking and, four times a year, customized reports and remote reviews by a board-certified cardiologist. You can also email the ECGs to your doctor or family members, keeping them updated in real time on your heart health.
The pocket-sized device doesn't come with a travel case, but you can easily order one online for $16 (though it's currently on sale for $12). The device is not recommended for those with pacemakers and ICDs.
It's so easy to use: Within minutes, my almost 80-year-old dad had it set up and ready to go. "It's so simple to use; it's actually fun," he said. He uses it daily and then compares his stats over the course of a week. He appreciates that all of his information is stored in one spot and is easily accessible to show his family doctor.
It's great for heart patients: My mom was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation a few years ago and is very mindful of her heart health. "When I feel a bit off, or my heart starts beating funny, I can take out this little tool and get a reading right on the spot. It makes me feel so much more in control of my health," she says.
It's wireless: Both of my parents love that you don't need any cords to charge it.
It doesn't look medical: They both appreciate that the gadget doesn't look like a medical device. "When I take my blood pressure it's very obvious it's a blood pressure machine, but this looks like a little toy which just seems less clinical. I like that," my mom said.
One device, multiple users: I only had to get one KardiaMobile for both of them as they could each download the app on their phones and have their own accounts. "This is something we can do together a few times a day, and it's a simple way for us to keep track of each other's heart health," my mom said.
Paid subscription, really?: Of course, I paid for my parents to have the year-long subscription, but they both felt the fee was a tad pricey. "It should be more affordable. Many older people might be turned off by the price and stick to the free plan, which could cost them their health," my dad said.
They could throw in a case: My dad was not impressed it didn't come with a case. "They couldn't throw in a case for this little thing?" he mentioned more than once.
Hannah Mitchell, a cardiology nurse practitioner and CEO of Heart Health Coaches, is a proponent of portable ECG devices and has seen firsthand how they can help patients.
Mitchell told Yahoo Canada that when she sees patients in clinical practice who present their KardiaMobile reports, she is able to "easily identify rhythms that are potentially worrisome." If she sees something suspicious for an arrhythmia, she will then order additional testing to confirm. While a portable ECG monitor can't diagnose an arrhythmia, "it has been a great tool for early detection in some people and prompts cardiac evaluation," she says.
Mitchell did mention that current data on some at-home ECG devices indicates a high likelihood of false positive results, which can lead to unnecessary medical appointments and patient anxiety. That said, she has seen the good they can do and recommends them to her patients.
"There are several of my patients in particular that have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia and were able to receive aggressive treatment preventing fatal outcomes all because of the KardiaMobile."
Given that AliveCor KardiaMobile ECG Monitor has been bought by more than 1,000 people in the last month, it's clear that people like the device.
According to customers, it's "very easy to operate," is an "accurate heart beat monitor" and "works very well."
"My cardiologist recommended this," writes one shoppers. "Needs to be on a flat surface with no movement. Readings can be saved to show my doctor."
Others say that "everyone should have one," that it's "great quality for the price" and that it's "tiny and very portable."
Most importantly, it gives "much peace of mind," notes one shopper.
However, like my parents, many people find the extra subscription fee to be annoying.
Spending $99 on a device that monitors my parents' heart health, is easy to use and provides peace of mind is a no-brainer. It is a bit annoying that you have to pay for a subscription to get all the features, especially since the yearly cost is more than the device itself. Also, keep in mind this monitor is approved for adults and won't provide an accurate reading for children.
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