Bull 30290
I bought this to have this diagnostic capability at home and in the field. I bought the Kardia unit specifically because it was the only FDA cleared device I found and because I read multiple reviews from cardiologists who liked it. It is easy to use and so far has seemed accurate.
I like the capability of doing 6-lead readings, and the potential for field adaptability is huge. However there are a few caveats... One, you must be in a comfortable and relaxed position for an accurate reading. If you are having to actively hold the unit in place or are pressing down on the pads, it will pick up a lot of muscle artifacts just like any other EKG would. Two, if you have mobility, joint, or other range of motion problems it can be difficult to get in a position that allows you to be comfortable and relaxed while simultaneously reaching both fingertip pads and your ankle.
I did a few test runs with this unit and shared them with a paramedic and critical care nurse. Both said the quality looked good and agreed with the device's assessment (normal rhythm). I then took it to my next doctor's appointment. The EKG tech looked at it and thought it was pretty cool and seemed to be accurate. Finally I ran this unit at the exact same time the tech ran a full 12-lead on me so I could compare, and the output was a match. So I would say this device is very accurate.
I was leery of the app and how much access to the data I would have based on some previous reviews, however I found that it does almost everything that I need without an expensive prescription. I can record my tests and keep a log, export (email / print) the ekg graphs, and the note feature is nice.
There are some analyses it does not perform without the subscription, which I find kind of silly - its already in the software and just not enabled, and if something like that is going on with my heart I definitely want to know and not have it withheld. I'm sure its great for some people but I don't need the quarterly cardiologist review, and I don't want my app dumbed-down just because I won't buy a subscription that I don't need. Perhaps Kardia would consider a one-time upgrade to enable the additional rhythms without subscribing to the doctor review.
The biggest issue I have is their app constatly berates you to upgrade and buy the subscription service. Its almost difficult to use the app because the in-app advertisements and misleading pages that keep pushing the service on you even after you've told it "no". I really wish they would fix that. Its very frustrating and I almost returned the unit because of this, vut ultimately decided to keep it.
I live and work in a remote area, and really bought this device to give me more diagnostic capability in the field. After talking with a few seasoned paramedics including some who do maintenance and repair on professional fire/ems EKG units, I will likely be modifying my Kardia unit to accept standard snap-on EKG leads. I plan to solder button snaps onto each pad, which will allow the limb leads to be placed much more easily and on patients who can't get into the necessary position for whatever reason. More importantly, the third lead can be moved around and although it is one slice at a time I can get a more complete picture of the heart when nothing else is available. I will do a lot of testing afterwards to see if there is any impact to the quality, and yes I know it's not FDA certified for this modificiation etc. but the possibility here is amazing.
Kardia if you're reading this: A version of this device that accepts actual wire leads and ideally has more total leads, and which is aimed at professional responders such as myself would be a game changer. For rural areas where volunteers are used extensively this could make a huge difference. I rarely have the fire truck there when I get on scene, and often we're way back in the woods where lugging the equipment over rough terrain is difficult. Most of my gear is self-purchased and I don't have a $20k Physio-control LifePak with me. But I would gladly buy a $200 or $300 portable unit like this out of pocket if it had these features. I would spend another $50 even on this unit if it just had detachable wire leads.
| Brand | AliveCor |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones |
| Screen Size | 6 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.54"L x 1.18"W x 0.28"H |
| Item Weight | 24 Grams |
| Sensor Type | Electrocardiogram |
| UPC | 850214007148 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00850214007148 |
| Manufacturer | AliveCor |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 11.89 x 11.61 x 2.95 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.22 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.54 x 1.18 x 0.28 inches |
| Brand Name | AliveCor |
| Warranty Description | 2 year warranty |
| Model Name | KM-6L-E |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | KM-6L-E |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Included Components | 1 |
John Cesarone