An Introduction to: ECG and EKG Electrocardiograms
In this article we review the top personal ECG and EKG Electrocardiograms. But first, let’s understand a little more about the electrocardiogram, why we use them and who might benefit from them.
An electrocardiogram, sometimes abbreviated to ECG or EKG, measures the electrical activity and rhythm of your heartbeat – which is subsequently analysed to determine if there are any irregular rhythms and if the heart is being overworked.
According the American Heart Association there are at least 2.7 million Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) – a common type of heart arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). AFib sufferers are 5 times more likely to have a stroke and have a higher risk of heart failure.
Anyone who has experienced occasional fainting/dizziness or heart palpitations may benefit from having a personal ECG. It should be noted that these are consumer/personal devices and will not be as reliable as the cardiac monitor used in hospitals or by your healthcare professional – which usually use 12 leads (electrodes) providing much more accurate information, not the typical 1 or 2 leads on personal devices.
For more information, I’d recommend having a look at the John Hopkins Medicine Electrocardiogram site.
ECG and EKG Electrocardiograms: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Well-being
Personal ECG and EKG Electrocardiograms are not a replacement for the cardiac event monitors used by healthcare professionals. However, the ability to take recordings and measurements when an irregular heartbeat event occurs can be advantageous, particularly when the recordings can be shared with your doctor.
Personal EKG’s not intended to be used by anyone who has not experienced occasional palpitations or arrhythmia. The devices we review are not for use by those who use pacemakers or ICDs. The personal electrocardiograms in this article will not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or illness.
Independence
Having a personal electrocardiogram is a convenient way of recording the occasional irregular heartbeat – but it won’t replace the need to seek advice from a professional healthcare worker or doctor.
You may want to speak to your doctor before purchasing one of these personal ECG or EKG Electrocardiograms to get a professional opinion on how beneficial it might be to your own specific health needs.
Add this to device to other smart healthcare monitors and devices such as Blood Pressure Readers, Pill Dispensers and Fingertip Pulse Oximeters and you can begin to proactively monitor and manage your health with the aid of smart consumer technology.
The Shortlist: ECG and EKG Electrocardiograms
Our selection of ECG and EKG Electrocardiograms include a range of features with budgets to suit everyone. All of them have free smartphone companion apps. You may have specific needs or features – the comparison summary table will help you narrow down which is the right one for you.
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG: Key Features
The AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG is from AliveCor who specialize in developing consumer electrocardiograms – and claim to have shipped over 50 million worldwide – so they’re obviously doing something right! Two models are available, the KardiaMobile and the KardiaMobile 6L – the latter has 6 leads which will provide more detailed and accurate heart information. However, we’ve chosen the standard model as it performs the basics well and has the necessary features and accuracy for most people’s needs.
The KardiaMobile is powered by the included CR2016 battery that should keep the device going for about 12 months. It’s surprisingly small and light, so you might want to use the included self-adhesive holder to attach it to your smartphone, as you’ll want it with you to measure an irregular heartbeat when it occurs.
The Kardia smartphone app is compatible with most popular smartphones – but you should check The Kardia Compatibility list >here< before you buy.
In 30 seconds the app will let you know whether your heart rhythm is normal; or if AFib has been detected. It will also determine if Bradycardia has been detected, i.e. your heart rate is less than 50 BPM or Tachycardia i.e. your heart rate is greater than 100 BPM.
Readings are stored on your phone and can be simply emailed to your doctor. The app allows you to record your blood pressure either by manually entering your reading or importing it from the Omron blood pressure cuff if you own one. You can also manually enter and track your weight.
For those who want more out of the device, AliveCor offer a subscription service “KardiaCare” which gives you a number of additional features: –
- Clinician ECG Reviews
- Monthly Heart Health Report
- Automatic ECG Sharing
- Medication Tracking
- Cloud Storage and Security
Personally, I feel the features of the free service will be more than sufficient for most users – but at least you have the option to upgrade if you want – but be warned, it is relatively expensive. The free service includes:
- Record unlimited EKG’s
- Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, or Normal Heart Rhythm detection
- Store your EKG results on your phone
- Email results to your doctor
- Manually track your weight and blood pressure
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG: What’s in the Box
- AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG
- Welcome guide
- Self adhesive holder
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great value
- Clear and well thought out smartphone app
- FDA Approved
- Detects AFib, Bradycardia & Tachycardia
- 12 month/200 hours battery life
- Slim and compact
- Can be attached to your smartphone
- Results in 30 seconds
- Email results to your doctor
- Multiple users
Cons
- 1 Lead
- Premium subscription service KardiaCare is relatively expensive
- No compatible software for desktop PC
- Compatible with most popular Apple & Samsung smartphones – check before you buy
- Cannot be used without a compatible smartphone
AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Installing the AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG app was simple (we had a compatible phone) – and once paired, taking a recording was straightforward, the app deserves some praise for being instinctive to use.
AliveCor have easy to follow, step-by-step, instructions on their website and comprehensive customer support should you run into any problems (email & phone 7 days a week).
- EKG ON THE GO: Capture unlimited medical-grade EKGs in 30 seconds and get an instant analysis right on your smartphone. KardiaMobile is small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take it with you anywhere.
- EASY TO USE: Simply place your fingers on the sensors to detect Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia and Normal Sinus Rhythm. Additional detections and features available with KardiaCare subscription. KardiaCare is not included with this product.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS: KardiaMobile is FDA-cleared and the #1 doctor-recommended personal EKG with more than 100 million EKGs recorded.
SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19
SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19: Key Features
The SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19 is a chinese manufactured ECG from Nanjing Xijian Information Technology Co. Ltd. Although similar in looks, it should not be confused by the AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG.
It’s a compact and lightweight personal electrocardiogram – and performs the basics such as AFib detection effectively in 30 seconds. It’s another single lead device – so the level and quality of information will not be anywhere near that of a 12 lead medical grade device used by your local hospital.
Powered by a CR2016 battery (a replacement is also included which is a nice touch) – it will last for about 12 months depending on frequency of use. There are a couple of standout features it has that made it worthy of review: firstly it comes with free cloud storage so your results are held securely should anything ever happen to your smartphone – some competitor devices require a subscription for this feature. Secondly, they claim the app is generally more compatible, requiring a smartphone running iOS 9.0 & Android 4.3 or later. So maybe one to consider if you need a compact personal ECG but your phone is not compatible with the AliveCor KardiaMobile.
SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19: What’s in the Box
- SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19 (including CR2016 Battery)
- Replacement CR2016 Battery
- ECG Recorder Instructions
- SnapECG Support Card
- Fabric carry pouch
SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good value
- Save results to your phone & cloud
- Free cloud storage
- Detects Atrial Fibrillation
- Download reports
- 12 month battery life
- Slim and compact
- Results in 30 seconds
- Email results to your doctor
- General smartphone compatibility
Cons
- 1 Lead
- No compatible software for desktop PC
- Cannot be used without a smartphone
- Single user only
- Lacks comprehensive customer support
SnapECG Portable Heart Rate Monitor E-H19: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The app is functional and installation was straightforward – I personally had no problems with it. However, my concern is twofold, firstly I’ve read a number of comments and reviews on the app store about poor bluetooth connectivity, app crashing and spam mail be received. Secondly, it does not have the polished customer support and local help that many users would like or expect (AliveCor stands out for level and quality of support here).
Wellue Pulsebit EX
Wellue Pulsebit EX: Key Features
The Wellue Pulsebit EX is from a company that specializes in developing consumer medical products such as their Continuous Oxygen Monitor, Vital Signs Monitor, Oximeter, Blood Pressure Monitor and EKG/Heart Rate Monitor (amongst others). They have 3 EKG monitors in their portfolio – the one we have chosen, the Wellue Pulsebit EX, is their only device with 2 leads and a built-in screen so it can be used without a smartphone.
In terms of features, this unit has everything we could wish for in a personal electrocardiogram. For added detail and accuracy it has Lead I/II and chest leads (5 sets of reusable electro pads to attached to your chest are included) – it can be used with or without cables depending on your requirements. In addition to detecting AFib, Bradycardia & Tachycardia it also detects Premature Ventricular Contraction (extra beats that disrupt your regular heart rhythm).
Powered by USB Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery, the Pulsebit EX can be used standalone navigating the simple menu on the bright touchscreen, or if you want more comprehensive information, or would like to download / email reports, you can connect it to a compatible tablet, smartphone (it works with most) or a desktop computer.
The ability to allow two different individuals to use the device and record their measurements separately is a great benefit for many.
Wellue Pulsebit EX: What’s in the Box
- Wellue® Pulsebit™ EX Personal EKG Monitor
- USB Charge/Data Cable
- Setup Guide
- EKG Cable
- 5 x Sets of Reusable EKG Electrodes
- Carry case
Wellue Pulsebit EX: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 2.4” Backlit Color Touchscreen with built in memory
- Can be used by two users
- Free smartphone & desktop PC applications
- Can be used with or without a smartphone/computer
- Rechargeable battery
- Download, email and print PDF/JPG/CVS format reports
- Lead I/II and chest leads
- Detects AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia & Premature Ventricular Contraction
- USB Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
Cons
- A little more expensive that some of the competition
- Maybe not compact enough to carry with you all the time
- Very little else to criticize!
Wellue Pulsebit EX: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
Wellue are a trusted name in consumer healthcare and monitoring devices, so you have peace of mind that you will get the support you need should anything go wrong. The Wellue Pulsebit EX is a delightful device to use – a simple intuitive menu interface on the device itself, and well designed companion apps for your smartphone and desktop PC.
As straightforward as I found the smartphone app setup to be – if you do run into bother, you can contact their customer support by email.
EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor
No products found.No products found.
EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor: Key Features
The No products found. is from Emay, who specialize in producing 2 types of consumer healthcare device: Pulse Oximeters and Wireless EKG Monitors.
It has many features in common with the Wellue Pulsebit EX, such as multiple users, having a built in screen and the ability to use it as a standalone device or connect it to a smartphone or computer. It also has 2 leads for more accurate and detailed readings. it will detect AFib, Bradycardia & Tachycardia it also detects Premature Ventricular Contraction. The EKG is powered by a USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery, enough for about 500 measurements.
The one button found on the front of the device is all you need – a very easy to use device for even the biggest technophobe – just turn it on and hold for 30 seconds. Done!
Using the free companion software for your smartphone or computer provides you more information, reports and the ability to email or print your measurements for your clinician, healthcare professional or doctor.
EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor: What’s in the Box
No products found.- EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor
- USB power/data cable
- USB Flash drive with desktop software
- Instruction manual
EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor: Pros and Cons
No products found.Pros
- LCD Color screen
- Internal memory for 100 measurements
- Simple one button operation
- Can be used by multiple users
- Free smartphone & desktop PC applications
- Can be used with or without a smartphone/computer
- Rechargeable battery
- Download, email and print reports
- Lead I/II and chest leads
- Detects AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia & Premature Ventricular Contraction
- USB Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
Cons
- More expensive that some of its competitors
- A little larger than some other devices
EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
We loved the simplicity of the “one button” No products found.. Definitely a great device if you don’t have or want to use a smartphone. Using it as a standalone device will be a great advantage to many users who’d rather not have the complexity of connecting to other devices to see or record their measurements. If you choose to connect it to the free companion software – you’ll find it easy to use, and the reports you can generate are easy to read. Should you run into difficulties, Emay customer support can be contacted by phone & email (they will respond within 24 hours).
No products found.
Facelake FL10 Portable ECG/EKG Monitor
No products found.No products found.
EllieGrid Smart Pill Box: Key Features
For all intents and purposes I found the No products found. to be identical to the EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor – but I’ve included it on this list as sometimes it can be cheaper!
The only noticeable difference is the Facelake does not include a USB flash drive in the package – however the desktop software can be downloaded from their website – so it’s not really necessary.
Facelake FL10 Portable ECG/EKG Monitor: What’s in the Box
No products found.- Facelake FL10 Portable ECG/EKG Monitor
- USB power/data cable
- Instruction manual
Facelake FL10 Portable ECG/EKG Monitor: Pros and Cons
No products found.Pros
- LCD Color screen
- Internal memory for 100 measurements
- Simple one button operation
- Can be used by multiple users
- Free smartphone & desktop PC applications
- Can be used with or without a smartphone/computer
- Rechargeable battery
- Download, email and print reports
- Lead I/II and chest leads
- Detects AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia & Premature Ventricular Contraction
- USB Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
Cons
- A little larger than some other devices
Facelake FL10 Portable ECG/EKG Monitor: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
As per our comments on the EMAY Wireless EKG Monitor – we love the simplicity of the “one button” No products found.. Perfect if you don’t have or want to use a smartphone. Using it as a standalone device will be a great advantage to many users who’d rather not have the complexity of connecting to other devices to see or record their measurements. If you choose to connect it to the free companion software – you’ll find it easy to use, and the reports you can generate are easy to read.
Facelake have created a number of useful setup videos on their product website that will help you become familiar with your device. Their website also has contact details for their own customer support.
No products found.
Conclusion
The two that stood out for us were the AliveCor KardiaMobile Personal EKG primarily due to its compact size, price and impressive smartphone app, and the Wellue Pulsebit EX – a fantastic all rounder with the advantage of 2 leads and not needing a smartphone.
If it’s sheer simplicity you’re after then don’t rule out either the No products found. / No products found..