A lot of people have to deal with various heart problems. This can be frightening for some of them. Now with modern technology in the medical industry, it allows individuals to have more control over various medical conditions that they may have to deal with. A common heart condition that some people have is arterial fibrillation (AF). Now there is a device that can be used by individuals to help them track this if they are experiencing this. It is called the Kardia Mobile.
Overview
The Kardia Mobile provide an immediate EKG analysis. It only takes thirty seconds to determine if a person’s heart is a normal rhythm or if they are experiencing AF. The data gathered by the Kardia Mobile can be transmitted to the person’s health care professional.
The Claim
The promoters of the Kardia Mobile are claiming that it has been approved by the FDA. In addition to this device being able to determine the heart rate it also can record voice memos that relate to heart palpitations, or if a person has shortness of breath. Dietary habits and exercise data can also be recorded.
The Hype
The Kardia Mobile can even be integrated with Omron blood pressure monitors. This device allows individuals to gather a lot of important health information that can be relayed to their medical team without having to be there in person.
The Cost
The cost of the Kardia Mobile is $129.99. The app is free, but if you want some of the extras, you will need to pay a monthly fee.
The Commitment
The commitment that comes with the Kardia Mobile is really simple. It is just a matter of learning how to use it, and it is super friendly. It works in conjunction with the individual’s smartphone. There is no having to hook the device up with leads and monitors. It does require the downloading of the Kardia app. Then the Kardia Mobile is placed close to the smartphone. The user then puts their fingers on the sensors of the mobile, and after thirty seconds the heart rhythm is recorded. The user will know if they are in AF or if their heart rhythm is normal.
Evaluation
AF is a condition where the heart is not beating in a regular rhythm. Some people feel symptoms of this while others cannot detect that the heart is not beating properly. There can be various reasons why an individual may be having AF.
Final Kardia Mobile Review
A lot of people that have been diagnosed with AF become nervous about having this condition. They are worried they will not be able to detect when their heart is out of rhythm. The Kardia Mobile helps to give them more comfort in knowing that they can monitor their heart whenever they feel they need to. The device is not perfect, and it does not replace a proper diagnosis, but it can give an individual some warnings that something may be going on with their heart in regards to an irregular rhythm. We are prepared to give this device a thumbs up.
Our Recommendation
If you are looking for a device that can measure your heart rate for exercise purposes, you may want to consider the Fitbit Charge.
Why sell something that has 6 leads but only allow users to 3 leads? We spent extra money to have 6, but we have to pay an extra $100 a year for access to the other 3. Isn’t that what they call a bait and switch? I can feel something going on with my heart and Kardia detects nothing. I’m not going to be able to give my cardiologist the information I’d hoped to give him. I’m feeling a little ripped off.
I experienced very rapid heartbeats about 6 months apart. Cardiologist recommended Kardia to enable recording whenever I felt rhythm out of ordinary. Easy to download the recordings and send to the doctor who was then able to review the more frequent episodes of SVT, PVCs, and intermittent AFib, confirming need for Holter monitoring to make formal diagnosis and start treatment. I continue to carry with me and use as personal monitoring tool, and peace of mind whenever needed.
I downloaded my KardiaMobil. It downloaded this great. I opened it. They want a pass code. because I do not have a password. Twenty-five times. I sent them the same info. No one ever sent anything info on how to reset my password. I am upset over this. My Dr wants info. I will see her this Friday. with no link to my emails. So, what is the secret to getting into my expensive lifesaving heart product? I am not able to get a response from the company put in a password. Now when I send this It will not go to them…
I have had AF and PVC for decades. Two ablations, lots of meds, still happens. So I thought to get a heart monitor to ‘see’ how serious the current excursions were. Shopped around, found Kardia 6 lead…looked good, bought it.
It arrived. Nice object. Well designed. No user interface…depends on bluetooth to ‘talk’ to a cellphone or tablet which then displays the data, which is most of why the product price point is relatively low. But the software is, well, demanding. First off, it requires a minimum operating system update. Then the install requires your name, weight, height, address, and access to the phone’s gps data.
I wrote Kardia and asked why they want that data since all the software did was display data from the device. The wrote me back and said it was all OK since it was in the ‘terms of service’. Insofar as those terms of service are part of the install process, that is quite the catch-22. The only way they could use this data is if the software streamed my cardiac info to them, a clear breach of HIPAA.
I need the device. Without the display function it is useless. So I must allow this data shakedown. But I will post my objections to every forum that will allow me to do so in hopes the court of public opinion will encourage Kardia to amend their ways.
I have had my Kardia Mobile for 3 years. Other than a required battery change, it has worked perfectly. I suffer from Atrial Fibrillation and can feel it most of the time, however, I do like to have an accurate visual with which I can actually see what is going on in my heart whenever I want.
It’s very expensive and it worked the first year I got it now suddenly it will not work with my Motorola X4
and apparently only works significantly with Apple Samsung and Google stuff…They could tell you before they dump your phone!!!
It’s dangerous situation I have a significant arrythmia.