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OT: Home EKG Monitor

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Posted 7/15/2023 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have any known heart concerns, but being on long-haul ADT, I think it could be wise to pay attention to my heart health.

I've been looking at home monitors and Kardiacare's 6L model seems to be a good and popular product. It's FDA cleared and priced reasonably at $150. Unfortunately, there is also a $10 per month "membership" fee to get full data from it. But if it all works well enough that seems worthwhile.

I wonder if our Forum brothers have experience with these types of gadgets.

Hopefully, it's not a Forum violation for mentioning a specific product.
Posted 7/16/2023 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for posting since I have a similar interest. Although I’m not a member of the ADT club nor do I believe my ever increasing PVC’s have anything to do with my treatment; I have started researching a smart watch for monitoring my ‘skips’ and EKG/ECG. I’m also interested in feedback and brothers dealing with ADT might find value with this post as well. Thanks for pointing out another option for a home monitoring.
Posted 7/16/2023 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Apple Watch and Fitbit watch can do single lead EKG and tell time as well. I stopped wearing a watch the day I retired so there would have to be a compelling reason to start monitoring this way.
Posted 7/16/2023 6:58 AM (GMT 0)
Be sure to seek out and read articles like:

Harvard Health Ad Watch: How helpful are pulse monitors and home ECGs?

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/harvard-health-ad-watch-how-helpful-are-pulse-monitors-and-home-ecgs-202107062521
Posted 7/17/2023 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the link Steve.

I did some online looking and found a WIDE variety of views. Some say an ECG screening every 2 or 3 years for those over 60 regardless of physical condition. Some say a yearly ECG if you have high blood pressure or high LDL or high cholesterol risk factors.
Our friends at the USPSTF don't see a benefit for an ECG for anyone who is asymptomatic, regardless of risk factors.

Lol. Take your pick.
Posted 7/17/2023 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
I've had a Kardia Mobile 6 lead device for several years. In spite of two ablation procedures and a Maze procedure during triple bypass surgery, I'm still dealing with atrial fibrillation. The symptoms can be disconcerting, and it's reassuring that I can send a 6-lead EKG strip to my elecrophysiologist. He tells me that the view he receives is as good as he typically gets from an EMT transmission during a medical emergency. And they can definitely be found for less than the $150 you mention, I've been very pleased and happy to have the device.
Posted 7/17/2023 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Clocknut. That's the kind of information that I'm looking for. It's good to know that doctors take the 6 lead home device seriously.
Posted 7/17/2023 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know a lot about the new EKG machines like Karda, I have used the Apple Watch on occasion , not that I know how to read an EKG.
But as an aside, being on ADT, I think one of the most important things you can do for your heart, is keep an eye on your lipids and do everything possible to control them. ADT is notorious for wreaking havoc on a lipid panel. My Triglycerides, which have always been somewhat high, skyrocketed into the 500's when I was on Lupron.
Posted 7/18/2023 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
I was just looking around and found several places selling the six-lead version for $109, and the single lead version for $79. Not too bad. I've never seen a need for the extra features you mention.
Posted 7/19/2023 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Unless you really have a heart condition that warrants monitoring (like clocknut), I feel that these (simple) EKGs will just generate a lot of random noise.
As others have stated, I do recommend seeing a cardiologist once or twice a year. Although an EKG is a useful tool to a cardiologist, there are a great many other issues that can go wrong with your ticker.

Post Edited (Sr Sailor) : 7/19/2023 3:29:42 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 7/19/2023 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have a 3 lead portable ECG and it can be used with the three leads, or held up to your chest. When using the leads it is very accurate. I printed out several strips and sent them to my brother who is a pacemaker pacing specialist and he said they are really good traces. But he also said that for the vast majority of people, it is a waste of money unless you have frequent arrhythmias or other heart conditions that warrant this device.
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