When Apple introduced the Apple Watch in 2015, even executives themselves weren’t clear on what final approach the device would have. Eventually, health was the main orientation she would have, and this is something repeatable on many other smart watches and bracelets. The simplest models are based on counting steps, measuring your pulse or knowing whether you are stressed or not, but Others, more advanced, are capable of performing more complex tests, such as electrocardiograms..
The Apple Watch itself, or watches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, are capable of performing these tests, which, Although they do not achieve the reliability of a high-precision medical device, they are very powerful and above all practical.. Having such a device with you at all times may be more useful than having an EKG every few months in a hospital.
The problem is that watches with these features aren’t exactly cheap. These are the high-end models, which have prices around 400 and 500 dollars, or even more. Obviously, this alienates them from a large audience. Additionally, their use, while not particularly complex, represents a bit of a barrier to entry for some people.
A very useful accessory
This is where a device designed by the company AliveCor comes into play, which allows you to easily perform EKGs using the mobile screen to get the data. It’s called KardiaMobile and it’s not particularly expensive, it can be bought for 149 dollars.
This device, the size of a lipstick stick, but much flatter, it is easily transportable and allows you to always take it with you. Using it is very simple, you just need to pair it with your mobile phone and install the Kardia application. Once done, all you have to do is open the application, click on the Register button and wait for the process to complete, which lasts 30 seconds.
Once the application is finished, it will display and store the data, in addition to offering a recording of those 30 seconds in which you can see all the electrocardiogram measurements taken. If the system has detected possible atrial fibrillation, it will display it in an orange bar in the app., see a doctor. This product provides instant detection of the three most common cardiac arrhythmias.
There is another model, the KardiaMobile 6L, which has two electrodes at the top for the fingers and one at the bottom to contact the skin of the left leg. The KardiaMobile 6L is a more advanced device that can measure up to six EKG leads (I, II, III, aVL, aVR and aVF) without cables or gels. This allows doctors to detect certain arrhythmias that may be advanced indicators of cardiovascular disease.
A person undergoing an electrocardiogram with KardioCard
The latest of this company’s products is KardiaCard, a device the size of a credit card which also allows electrocardiograms to be performed. The Sun form factor makes it extremely easy to carry and take measurements whenever needed. In addition, unlike the other two devices, it does not use Wi-Fi, so it uses the mobile’s Bluetooth to be able to take measurements anywhere. Of course, in this case the battery is not replaceable and lasts around two years under normal use.
A subscription for more data
This product offers unlimited functions when performing electrocardiograms, detecting atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythm in just 30 seconds. ECGs can be recorded on the phone or emailed to the doctor. You can also maintain control of your weight and blood pressure.
However, the company also offers a periodic subscription called KardiaCare (9.99 dollars/month or 99.99 dollars per year) which allows you to have much more data available. Specifically, it can detect more types of arrhythmias, such as atrial sinus rhythm with PVC.
Also You will receive a review of the electrocardiograms every three months by a cardiac physiologist.. A report summarizing all ECG recordings can be downloaded monthly, allowing sharing with your doctor or long-term monitoring.
Additionally, if family members are caring for the patient, It is possible to configure the automatic sharing option for electrocardiograms with them, or with caregivers via a feature called Inner Circle. And although it is not the main function, this application also allows, with the subscription, to program reminders to take specific medications according to doctors’ recommendations.
Do not replace the doctor
Like the rest of the devices that provide health parameters, The KardiaMobile does not replace a doctor or the periodic examinations that a patient should undergo.. The purpose of this type of product is to allow diagnostic tests to be carried out at home to find out if there is any type of alteration and, if in doubt, consult the doctor.
Of course, these devices, like others similar to them, must be certified by the relevant health commissions of the different countries, to confirm that they are what they are. reliable enough to obtain relevant data. They won’t reach the level of precision of much more expensive medical equipment, but that’s not expected of them either.
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