In today’s fast-paced world, monitoring our health has never been more critical. The KardiaMobile 6-Lead Personal EKG Monitor offers a convenient, user-friendly solution for individuals wanting to keep a close eye on their heart health. With its advanced technology and portability, this device is revolutionizing how we approach personal health monitoring.
What is the KardiaMobile 6L?
The KardiaMobile 6L is a compact, FDA-cleared personal EKG monitor that records a medical-grade, six-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) in just 30 seconds. This device is designed to detect various heart conditions, including Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), Bradycardia, Tachycardia, and Normal Sinus Rhythm, providing users with critical insights into their heart health directly on their smartphones.
Why Six Leads Matter
Unlike traditional single-lead devices, the KardiaMobile 6L uses six leads to capture a more comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical activity. This advanced capability not only enhances the accuracy of the readings but also provides more data for users to share with their healthcare providers, making it an invaluable tool for both patients and doctors. However, it’s important to note that the KardiaMobile 6L does not check for heart attacks.
Ease of Use
The KardiaMobile 6L is designed for ease of use, making it accessible to users of all ages. It works seamlessly with most smartphones and tablets, requiring only the download of the Kardia app to get started. This means that users can keep track of their heart health anytime and anywhere, making it a perfect companion for people on the go.
No Subscription Required
One of the standout features of the KardiaMobile 6L is that it does not require a subscription to access its core functionalities. Users can take six-lead EKGs and receive instant results without worrying about additional costs, making it a cost-effective solution for ongoing heart health monitoring.
Trusted by Professionals
Recommended by doctors, the KardiaMobile 6L stands out as the world’s only FDA-cleared six-lead personal EKG. This endorsement from healthcare professionals adds an extra layer of credibility, reassuring users that they are using a reliable and effective tool for heart health monitoring.
Specifications and Features
- Brand: AliveCor
- Material: Stainless Steel, Plastic
- Color: Black
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones
- Product Dimensions: 3.54″L x 1.18″W x 0.28″H
- Item Weight: 24 Grams
- Warranty: 2 years
- Model Year: 2021
Conclusion
The KardiaMobile 6-Lead Personal EKG Monitor is an innovative solution for individuals looking to take charge of their heart health. With its accurate readings, ease of use, and no subscription fee, it empowers users to monitor their heart rhythms conveniently and effectively. Whether you are managing a specific condition or simply want to stay informed about your heart health, the KardiaMobile 6L is a valuable addition to your health toolkit.
Katie –
You don’t need a subscription to use this device, but without one, the only thing you can monitor is whether you have a normal sinus rhythm. Fortunately, my niece is an excellent telemetry technician. She’s used to interpreting more leads and noted that while this device is decent, more leads would provide better readings.
She has observed something in my husband’s readings that suggests his heart is on the verge of atrial flutter—not quite there yet, but close. She recommended that we keep an eye on it, which was enough reason for me to invest in this device. I use it for myself, my sister, mom, husband, and anyone else who wants to check their readings.
There’s a guest mode, or each person can download the app to their phone to save their readings. When my mom had an emergency, I used it on her, and my niece saw her bundle branch block appearing on the readings. It varies based on her stress levels, but my niece indicated that my mom would likely end up in the hospital, which indeed happened.
A few months ago, my husband got sick with whatever was going around, and he had symptoms resembling conjunctivitis. Since then, he hasn’t felt like himself. He complained of lightheadedness while working in the yard, which prompted me to buy this device. I haven’t shared my niece’s observations with him due to his hypochondriac tendencies. Instead, she asked me to have him test himself occasionally so she can monitor his condition.
If you’re hesitant due to the price, this device is worth having. However, unless you have someone skilled at interpreting the leads, you might want to consider a subscription. It will let you know if you have a normal sinus rhythm, but if it indicates otherwise, you should seek medical attention. It can help you decide when to visit a doctor for monitoring, and it’s more affordable than a deductible. I’m not giving medical advice, but as someone in the working class, I understand the tough choices many face when regular healthcare is out of reach yet something feels off.
Do what’s best for you and do your research. I’m glad to have this device; it’s provided us with valuable information to monitor our health.
Cindy –
I really should have waited for a sale! Oh well! The product mentioned that the battery wasn’t included, and I figured out what size it needed. To install it, I discovered I needed a tiny Phillips head screwdriver. So, I bought a cheap jeweler’s screwdriver set and the correct battery. This morning, I felt like a kid trying to unwrap the child-proof packaging on the battery. Wow! It was like needing micro-scissors to break through the tough plastic!
Then, I turned into a jeweler and unscrewed the tiny screws on the back, only to drop them (thankfully, I was working over my monitor’s box!). I was glad to have a magnifying glass handy! Finally, I opened the cover, and to my surprise, there was already a shiny battery snug in its spot! Did I receive a used monitor, or do they actually come with a battery? I could have been using it all this time!
Next, I had to put the screws back in. I felt like the Hulk from the Fantastic Four! After several attempts, I realized that a hands-free, lighted magnifying glass would have been helpful. I learned to balance the screwdriver and line it up with the holes to secure the screws.
Once I was done, I took my EKG reading, which was surprisingly easy! I could use a “That Was Easy!” button from Staples for this moment! The reading was good; it caught a single PVC, but the rest of the rhythm was normal. I saved it as a PDF and can see the different leads. Was this gadget worth the hassle and cost? Absolutely! Just wish I had waited for a sale!
DEBORA LINS SOARES MACEDO –
The product is excellent, but the app isn’t available in Brazil. To use it, I had to access my brother’s Google account in Portugal to download the app on my phone. It works great and performs a 6-lead ECG. I can’t give it 5 stars due to the difficulty in downloading the app.
Marco Petti –
The biggest difference between a KardiaMobile device and a simple heart rate tracker is that it actually captures an ECG, a snapshot of your heartbeat. This is very similar to the ECG you receive from your doctor, just a simplified version.
Kardia Mobile uses the ECG to detect atrial fibrillation. In just a few seconds, the device can provide an automatic response indicating whether your heart rhythm is normal or if you’re experiencing atrial fibrillation. The recordings or strips generated by the device belong to you. If you wish, you can also send a copy of the recordings to your doctor for further review.
The Kardia Mobile is about 3 inches long, making it compact enough to easily fit in your pocket or even attach to the back of your smartphone. There’s a designated spot on the device for your fingers if you feel any symptoms. The accessory then transmits data to the Kardia app on your smartphone, typically delivering ECG results in around 30 seconds.
With the 6L version I purchased, you can perform a 6-lead ECG, which is significantly more accurate than the single-lead ECG available on the original Kardia Mobile. It has a similar size to the original. The benefit of having 6 leads is that it provides a more detailed picture of your heart rhythm and a better ability to diagnose any irregularities. Having 6 leads means the device can assess your heart rhythm from six different angles.
Clinical data supports a 95% accuracy; with Kardia Mobile, you get higher quality ECGs by placing the sensor on a stable surface, like a table, and then resting your fingers on it. You should NEVER hold the device in your hands.
There’s also an optional subscription service available for Kardia product owners like me. This subscription offers unlimited cloud storage for ECGs, a personalized monthly report sent to your home, and medication monitoring. The app includes many fantastic features such as instant ECG analysis and unlimited ECG email sharing.
CONCLUSIONS:
Overall, I believe that Kardia Mobile and Kardia Mobile 6L are excellent products for home monitoring of atrial fibrillation. As mentioned earlier, since atrial fibrillation is a long-term condition, it’s great for patients to have something at home to track their symptoms over time. Any limitations of the current Kardia algorithm can be addressed by asking your doctor to review the ECG strips obtained from the device. When it comes to monitoring atrial fibrillation, I think Kardia devices are the best home ECG monitors available for patients.
JS –
This product exceeded my expectations! I’m really impressed with its performance and quality. Highly recommend!
GMak –
If you’re considering an EKG for clinical use, go for the 6-lead model—there’s really no reason to choose the single lead. The 6-lead option is significantly superior. If you have any cardiac concerns, this is a must-have—no need to overthink it.
This 6-lead EKG is fantastic, user-friendly, reliable, and clinically accepted, all at an affordable price. The battery lasts about a year or longer and is easy to replace (it’s a CR2016, which is thinner than the more common CR2036 and may be harder to find in stores, so it’s wise to order some online for backup).
Simply download the Kardia software on your iPhone or Android, and it syncs seamlessly with the device. There’s even a “notes” section where you can dictate notes using your phone’s voice feature.
Better yet, consider buying two: keep one at home in a medicine cabinet for quick access, and carry the other in your purse or pocket for when you’re out or traveling.
With 40 years in the clinical medical device industry, I can confidently say this product is excellent. It functions well, provides clinically valid results for your doctor, and is well-made at an affordable price. If you have any cardiac concerns, there’s no reason not to have one.
You can use the software without signing up for their service if you already have a cardiologist or GP. The software offers a “possible diagnosis,” but remember, this should not be a substitute for visiting a doctor if you suspect cardiac issues. If you’re already consulting with your physician or cardiologist, you likely know what’s going on and will be following their advice. This device is just a way to gather additional data for further clinical assessment. The Kardia-generated diagnosis will either confirm your existing concerns or provide more information for your clinician to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Marco Petti –
This device offers rhythm information from one lead, while the additional lead provides valuable insights into the rhythm’s origin. Although the full ECG view is extrapolated and shouldn’t replace a traditional ECG machine, it effectively detects P waves, which is crucial for conditions like atrial flutter. Initially, I was a bit confused, but the device operates perfectly well without a subscription. It’s user-friendly, and applying a bit of moisture at the skin contact points can resolve any issues. I’m uncertain about the automatic diagnosis feature; my background in ECG training allows me to assess it adequately. It usually identifies sinus rhythm accurately, but it missed a 15-second episode of bigeminy and has strict criteria for tachycardia and bradycardia. Overall, I’m pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this over the single lead version.
MFR –
I’ve tried several budget-friendly home EKG devices, and this one stands out as the best, though it does have some downsides.
Pros:
Cons:
To take an EKG, you hold the device with both hands, pressing it against your leg just above the knee for 30 seconds. The app is straightforward to use, indicating when it’s reading and showing your progress. Afterward, it displays the results, allows for note-taking, and lets you save or export data as a PDF.
While the results are generally good, getting an accurate reading often means dampening the skin for better contact. The device is compact enough to carry, and you can also use your ankle for a 6-lead reading or just your hands for a simpler 2-lead assessment, similar to lower-cost models.
Overall, I recommend it for catching those infrequent events that you can share with your doctor. It’s also helpful for alleviating unnecessary worries and recording notes for your doctor’s review. I’m not a fan of the limitations imposed on the app’s functionality without a monthly subscription, but it still provides basic reporting. If you simply share the results with your doctor, the subscription isn’t really necessary.