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Electrocardiograms (ECG) are devices that doctors can use to record the heart’s electrical activity. Portable devices are also available for people who wish to monitor their heart health at home.
People should not use personal ECG monitors to diagnose or treat heart conditions. If a person believes they may have a heart condition, they should contact a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
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This portable ECG monitor is compact, allowing a person to carry it in their pocket. It is compatible with most smartphones.
Other features include the ability to record 30 seconds of a person’s heart rate and rhythm and an iOS/Android app for saving, viewing, printing, and sharing reports.
People can use this device by placing their hands on the sensors on either side of the ECG monitor and holding still for 30 seconds. They can then sync their data to their smartphone.
AliveCor states that this device has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to detect atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia in 30 seconds.
The KardiaMobile does not require any wires or patches. An individual can simply place the sensors on the back of their smartphone and press their fingers to the device. They can then save and share their readings with a doctor.
This device is compatible with most smart devices. It is compatible with the iPhone 5 and later models, a wide range of Android devices, and most iPads.
AliveCor accepts health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible savings accounts (FSA) as payment.
The FaceLake FL10 has a 1.77-in LCD screen with an easy-to-read display.
People can adjust the reading time and see real-time heartbeat displays.
FaceLake offers an iOS app and an Android app that can store and save readings. People can also print out or download a PDF to share their readings with a doctor.
This ECG monitor works by placing the device against the chest and looking at the readings in the Eko app.
This device features single-button controls and Bluetooth connectivity. People can choose to add an earpiece that connects to the Eko Duo to their purchase.
Eko states that a person can amplify the sounds of their heart up to 32 times. The company also states that this device is suitable for healthcare professionals.
Eko accepts HSA and FSA as payment.
A person can take their ECG measurement four different ways using this monitor:
A person’s readings are available in the free app. This app provides unlimited data storage and allows users to share information with their doctor.
This product from Kardia features six leads and three sensors. A person takes their ECG reading by placing two fingers or thumbs on top and placing the sensor on the bottom on the skin of their left leg. A person can monitor these readings in the Kardia app.
The device has FDA-clearance, and the company says the recordings are medical-grade and clinically approved.
Kardia accepts FSA and HSA card payments.
This product can simultaneously measure EKG and blood pressure using the durable and contoured wide-range D-cuff. According to the company, this cuff should fit arms 9-17 inches in diameter.
A person can see their reading immediately on the display screen. Additionally, they can share this information with their doctor if they wish using the app.
The app also allows users to store readings.
The following table compares the at-home ECG monitors in this article.
ECGs are a type of equipment that doctors may use in a hospital or clinic to record a person’s heart’s electrical activity. They create an electrical “map” of the heart from the outside.
ECG machines come with sensors that attach to a person’s skin. This allows them to record the electrical signals that the heart produces.
At-home ECG monitors have built-in sensors that record the heart’s activity. People can hold their fingers against these sensors or wear them on their wrists or body.
Some devices also feature built-in screens that allow users to view their heart rhythm. People can also buy products that they can connect to a smartphone to collect their data. They can then share their readings with a doctor.
Medical News Today chose portable ECG monitors that fit the following criteria:
An individual should speak with a doctor to decide which at-home ECG monitor is best for their needs.
Below are some factors that people may wish to consider when looking for an at-home ECG monitor:
Several portable ECG monitors are available to buy online. People should carefully read the product descriptions to ensure they purchase the right device for their needs.
Many of these ECG monitors are unsuitable for individuals with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. If a person has any of these devices, they should contact a doctor before making a purchase.
Doctors may use ECGs to detect several health conditions.
A person can also use portable ECG monitors at home to check their heart rate and rhythm and use the data to discuss any symptoms or patterns with a doctor.
The United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) states that ECGs can detect certain heart conditions. These include the following.
Arrhythmia is a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. A person’s heart may beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
This condition affects up to 5% of people but may not cause any symptoms. A doctor can perform an ECG test to diagnose arrhythmia. Once they diagnose this condition, they will discuss a treatment plan with the individual.
Learn more about arrhythmia here.
Coronary artery disease affects around 18.2 million adults aged 20 years and above in the United States.
The condition occurs when fatty substances build up inside the lining of the coronary arteries and block the heart’s blood supply. Doctors may diagnose coronary artery disease by using an ECG.
Learn more about coronary artery disease here.
A heart attack occurs when the heart does not have enough blood supply. Some people may not notice that they have had a heart attack.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
Doctors may use ECGs to detect this condition. However, if a person has any symptoms of a heart attack, they should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn more about heart attacks here.
Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle changes size, shape, or thickness and is unable to pump enough blood. This can lead to an irregular heartbeat and heart failure.
Learn more about cardiomyopathy here.
Personal ECG monitors are similar to the ECGs that doctors use. An individual may use these devices to monitor their heart health at home.
However, a person should never use a personal ECG monitor as a replacement for medical advice. If they have any symptoms that may indicate the presence of an underlying health condition — such as heart palpitations, dizziness, or fainting — they should seek immediate medical advice.
People should follow all manufacturer instructions when using a portable ECG monitor.
Although instructions may vary, some general tips for using a portable ECG include:
A portable ECG monitor is not a replacement for medical advice. If a person’s reading shows any unusual heart rhythms, they should seek medical advice immediately.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47% of people in the U.S. have one of the following risk factors for heart disease:
The CDC offers some tips to help people prevent heart disease. These include:
Learn more about heart disease here.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that those who have already had a heart attack should take any medications a doctor prescribes. Taking prescription medication can lower the risk of experiencing another heart attack.
People who are monitoring their heart health should also attend follow-up appointments and contact a doctor if they notice any new or worsening symptoms.
People should contact a doctor if they believe they are experiencing any symptoms that may indicate a heart condition. These symptoms can include:
A doctor will perform tests to diagnose any conditions that can affect heart health. They will also determine a treatment plan to monitor and treat any symptoms of a heart condition.
People who are experiencing the following symptoms should seek emergency attention:
These symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
Here we answer some common questions about these devices.
EKG and ECG are different abbreviations for the same test, an electrocardiogram.
Learn more about these abbreviations here.
Yes, an ECG monitors the heart’s electrical activity.
ECG monitoring can help a person to monitor heart rate and heart rhythm. This allows individuals with certain health conditions to track and monitor their heart activity.
In addition, a person may use ECG monitoring when their doctor is considering a possible diagnosis of a certain health condition.
This depends on the brand of monitor and if it has any special features, which may up the cost. Based on this list, a person should expect to pay between around $66-$399.
Portable ECG monitors can be useful for people who wish to monitor their heart health at home or when traveling.
Various brands manufacture these types of devices. A person should check the features they offer and choose one that is most suitable for their needs.
People should not use these devices to diagnose or treat a medical condition. If a person believes they may have a heart condition, they should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Last medically reviewed on May 30, 2023
ECG and EKG are abbreviations for the same diagnostic procedure. Learn more about the definition, procedure, and results here.
Heart disease is a major cause of death. In this article, learn about the different types, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment to expect.
Here, learn to recognize a heart attack and what to do next. We also describe treatment and recovery and provide tips for prevention.
Digital Portable Ecg Machine The coronary arteries supply oxygen and blood to the heart. Learn more about coronary artery disease causes, symptoms, risk factors, and more.