Yahoo Sports This $99 mini ECG heart monitor gives ‘peace of mind’ — and it has a whopping 52,000 5-star reviews
Track your heart rhythm on the go with this “easy to use” device.
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.
If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you probably know that it increases your risk of ischemic stroke by three to five times. Or maybe you have a heart rhythm irregularity like bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (increased heart rate) that you want to keep an eye on. Whatever your arrhythmia, a device like the AliveCor KardiaMobile ECG Monitor from Amazon Canada may help you rest easier. The portable monitor takes an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) in just 30 seconds, no matter where you are, and keeps track of all your results, whether your heart rhythm is normal or not. Read on to find out why more than 52,000 people give this handy device a five-star rating.
This “easy to use” portable heartbeat monitor takes the guesswork out of detecting irregularities.
The details
Touted as “the most clinically validated personal ECG in the world,” the KardiaMobile is designed to detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia or simply normal heart rhythm in just 30 seconds.
It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and weighs just 18 grams. Plus, it’s wireless, so there aren’t any cords to tangle when you’re on the go. You also won’t need any wires, cables or gels to get a reading.
To use the device, you’ll first need to download the Kardia app to your smartphone or tablet. Then, you’ll need to press “record ECG,” put the KardiaMobile near your phone and rest your fingers on each sensor. After 30 seconds, you’ll receive your results, which will remain saved on your device.
With the purchase of a subscription that’s $11.99 USD per month ($16 CAD) or $99 USD ($135 CAD) per year, you will also be able to detect sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus rhythm with supraventricular ectopy (SVE) and sinus rhythm with wide QRS. You’ll also get access to extra services, including cloud storage, blood pressure monitoring, medication tracking, customized reports and remote reviews of your results by a board-certified cardiologist four times per year. You can also email your ECGs to your doctor, caregiver or family members.
The KardiaMobile is compatible with a range of smartphones from Apple, Google, Huawei, Samsung and more.
It requires one lithium metal battery (included).
The device isn’t recommended for use with pacemakers or ICDs. It doesn’t detect heart attacks. And it's worth noting this doesn't replace medical advice — you should speak to your doctor about whether this product is right for you.
What shoppers are saying
⭐️ 4.4 stars
💬 70,800+ reviews
🔎 "A tiny lifesaving device.”
This monitor isn’t cheap, but many reviewers say it’s “well worth the cost” for seniors and anyone with heart issues because it gives “peace of mind.”
Though it can’t replace in-clinic tests and professional care, it’s an “excellent tool” for home use and provides “accurate readings” that you can easily share with your doctor. You can even “add tags and make notes” on your results.
Experts recommend it, too. One reviewer says their daughter had professional heart tests done, and the lab “sent her home with the exact same unit” to complete additional testing.
This personal ECG device has nearly 71,000 reviews.
Customers also love that it’s “easy to use” and is “small” enough to fit in a purse or pocket.
Some shoppers were “disappointed” to discover that all the device’s features are only available with a paid subscription. One woman notes that she can still access “all [her] readings for the last four years” even though she’s not paying anything. However, reviewers “highly recommend” purchasing the yearly subscription to gain access to “so much extra heart info.”
To get the best reading, reviewers suggest finding a quiet spot and placing the KardiaMobile on a solid surface directly next to your phone. Otherwise, the accuracy of your reading may be affected.
The verdict
The AliveCor KardiaMobile Wireless ECG Monitor is so small and lightweight that it can go wherever you do. Easy to use, it gives accurate readings and is a great source of additional information for you, your healthcare professionals or your caregivers. It’s expensive when you factor in a yearly subscription — a purchase that isn’t required but comes highly recommended — but many reviewers think you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
