I just picked one up (suggested by my cardiologist).

Which is a good app for basic EKG reading?
Simple is better and I don't want to break the bank.

Bob

I think the latest software update provides Apple's version of it.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ap...-to-use-the-ecg-app/

Start with their free version and see how it works.

I just did the update and will be setting it up later today.

Thanks,
Bob

The app integrates with "Health" app from apple on the phone. There is an icon for EKG on the watch, dead simple to setup and you can set it to randomly check.

Honestly, have had a few months and best apple device I own. I thought it was limited but this thing is pretty useful.

Just make certain you understand the device's limitations: Putting The Apple Watch 4 ECG To The Test In Atrial Fibrillation: An Informal Comparison To Kardia

I'll be checking with my PCP, because I think the last time I had a stress test they detected an "issue." If he thinks regular monitoring would be a good idea, I'll probably go with an AliveCor Kardia Mobile: AliveCor

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ensigmatic,

quote:

Originally posted by FlyingScot:
The app integrates with "Health" app from apple on the phone. There is an icon for EKG on the watch, dead simple to setup and you can set it to randomly check.

Honestly, have had a few months and best apple device I own. I thought it was limited but this thing is pretty useful.

Same. A few years ago I had a few of my watches burn up at the same time. Dropped them off at the jeweler and he said DOA. I was thinking battery replacements but nope. Watches were decades old. I always wear a watch and got tired of having to replace batteries in them constantly (have 3-4 that get used regularly). I use a G shock for shooting or anything outdoors but needed something nice for the office. Said fuck it and bought a series 2. I’m not a big app or phone person. I use it for phone,email,text, and some home automation. Use the browser when I’m stuck at places like a Dr’s office. And use the calculator or camera for needed use like taking a pic of a part that I need to replace so I don’t have to write down the model number. So I buy the series 2 and man it was nice. At home leave the phone in a room and just wear the watch for calls, etc.

So I traded it in on the new series 4 and the EKG has been awesome. I’m not concerned with it auto calling a doctor for me but it’s useful in heart monitoring. Hopefully down the line it will qualify for some kind of insurance discount.

Coolest thing to me is being Batman. My garage door is part of my home automation so I can open it via the phone or watch. It’s pretty cool to press a couple buttons on the watch and open the garage 30 seconds before i get there as well as make sure I closed it when I get to work. There have been times I’ve left it open. Watch has a been very useful and I thought there were stupid in the beginning.

This thing is pretty slick, indeed

Bob

I have used a Kardia (AliveCor) separate device with my iPhone for several years and have found it extremely useful. Thanks, Ensigmatic, for posting that comparison, which I will review and comment on.
My wife has PSVT that is sporadic, and the Kardia has been excellent for picking up that—better than a regular Holter monitor or even event recorder.
I am having PAC’s now and use it to be sure I ‘m not having PVC’s or AF.
I am planning to buy an Apple Watch 4 and have been wondering if their EKG app is as good as the Kardia. An alternative is to buy a Kardia watch band and use that.

OK the Skeptical Cardiologist has a bunch of posts on AliveCor and other monitoring devices, it was very helpful.
I may add an AliveCor Kardiaband to an Apple Watch, but first I need to get the watch.

Anyone have comments on whether the stainless AW is worth the extra money?

I asked my cardiologist about it noting that it’s a 1 lead EKG equivalent. His response was it was okay, but it wouldn’t really give him any information that would be useful. Then he turned around and mention the Kardia, which used two pads with two fingers on each pad. His opinion was that this was a much more useful method without the investment of an Apple Watch. Kardia is somewhere around $100 where an Apple Watch gets up around $400.

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
Anyone have comments on whether the stainless AW is worth the extra money?

In my opinion, yes.

This is mainly because of the sapphire screen that it comes with — it’s super durable.

I had a Series 1 watch and wore it for two years. By the end the screen was scratched here and there and the aluminum case was dented / scraped as well. It looked worn.

I’ve been wearing my stainless steel Series 3 watch for over a year now, daily, and it still looks new.

The sapphire screen makes it worth it. Also, the extra “heft” (albeit slight) of the stainless steel reminds you that you’re wearing a watch.

The stainless models also come standard with LTE built in.

Looks better too, I think.

The Kardia Mobile would actually allow a doctor to diagnose a heart attack if placed in some more unusual positions: the equivalent of an anterior lead, and Lead II (for inferior infarct).

From the User Manual:

quote:

You may also choose from two other placements:
 For a Lead II ECG, the left knee should contact the electrode closer to the top of the smartphone or tablet and the right hand should contact the electrode closer to the bottom of the smartphone or tablet.
 For an Anterior Precordial Lead, the device can be placed on the lower left side of the chest, just below the pectoral muscle. The bottom of the smartphone or tablet should be pointing towards the center of the body.