Only one consumer device has been FDA-approved to identify PVCs but Alivecor’s Kardia ECG may diagnose normal sinus rhythm even if it identifies PVCs in your ECG
It seems that given that this was a false positive, and you had to dig into a PDF report to even see it, that these blips are being appropriately ignored by most of the UI. It might be unfair to call this "misleading" or to declare that "People need to look at their "normal" ekgs also, because they may include PVCs": in fact it seems like given the likelihood of a false positive, unless one can interpret the result on their own they should probably not go digging for something to worry about when it's showing NSR.
I’m curious if you have looked at the Fourth Frontier x2. Although it is not FDA approved, I thought I would give it a try since, like a holter, you can wear it around and record 24 hrs a day. It records any event other than NSR as “other’ not PVC or PAC so the user needs to be able to look at the events to see what they are. In my experience, mine are all PVCs. I love that I can do a 30 minute ECG during a workout or do one while I sleep.
There is a big upward deflection of the baseline (motion artifact) that occurs about 40 ms before the upward spike of the QRS. The AI algorithm interpreted this as the beginning of the QRS I suspect, making it appears wider and premature.
I have to say I haven't seen any issues with the Kardia card whether near appliances or not. The only trouble I have is remembering that you have to push the little on button before making a recording and it only stays on briefly if you don't start the recording right away.
Other Kardia devices are always "on"
I recommend the 6L. I have yet to find a compelling reason for most cases that would warrant the 6L
I bought the Kardia card. Could not get it to work. The help line told me that If I was near any kind of major appliance of TV it would not work. Well...it's hard to find a spot in my home where that is not the case. Not sure if the blue tooth enabled devices are best bc of interference. Might just have to get the 6 lead version but really did not want to have to touch a third area on my body to get a reading. Which one do you have/recommend?
It seems that given that this was a false positive, and you had to dig into a PDF report to even see it, that these blips are being appropriately ignored by most of the UI. It might be unfair to call this "misleading" or to declare that "People need to look at their "normal" ekgs also, because they may include PVCs": in fact it seems like given the likelihood of a false positive, unless one can interpret the result on their own they should probably not go digging for something to worry about when it's showing NSR.
I'm a big fan of the Kardia card. I can carry it my wallet so it is always with me.
For the vast majority of users, the single lead ECG provided by the card (or 1L) is all they need.
Until Alivecor starts utilizing lead 2 to assist in rhythm determination the algorithm will provide similar info whether you have one lead or 6 leads.
The card is cheaper and cooler.
The results are similar
Dr. p
Agree. See other comment on this. This is also what I said in the article.
A patient loaned me his Frontier and I think it is great. It is on my long list of things to write about.
Dr. P
Dear ACP,
This particular Kardia recording shows only artifacts
There is no PVC
QRS is same duration as normal beat and there is no variation in RR interrval
You mention all the Kardan models but if you could only get the one that gives you the most meaningful data which model would you buy? Thank you :-)
I’m curious if you have looked at the Fourth Frontier x2. Although it is not FDA approved, I thought I would give it a try since, like a holter, you can wear it around and record 24 hrs a day. It records any event other than NSR as “other’ not PVC or PAC so the user needs to be able to look at the events to see what they are. In my experience, mine are all PVCs. I love that I can do a 30 minute ECG during a workout or do one while I sleep.
There is a big upward deflection of the baseline (motion artifact) that occurs about 40 ms before the upward spike of the QRS. The AI algorithm interpreted this as the beginning of the QRS I suspect, making it appears wider and premature.
What’s premature about that beat? (Nothing) - there’s baseline artifact, but no PVC.
I have to say I haven't seen any issues with the Kardia card whether near appliances or not. The only trouble I have is remembering that you have to push the little on button before making a recording and it only stays on briefly if you don't start the recording right away.
Other Kardia devices are always "on"
I recommend the 6L. I have yet to find a compelling reason for most cases that would warrant the 6L
Dr. P
I bought the Kardia card. Could not get it to work. The help line told me that If I was near any kind of major appliance of TV it would not work. Well...it's hard to find a spot in my home where that is not the case. Not sure if the blue tooth enabled devices are best bc of interference. Might just have to get the 6 lead version but really did not want to have to touch a third area on my body to get a reading. Which one do you have/recommend?