AliveCor's KardiaMobile pocket ECG sensor can detect heart disease, anxiety, etc.

When Apple Watch Series 4 introduced a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor that could detect irregular heart rates, Apple Watch wearers and fitness enthusiasts were ecstatic. Of course-early detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) can prevent serious medical events. 

Now, a miniature smartphone accessory from the life sciences company AliveCor takes two steps further: their $99 KardiaMobile ECG monitor has now been approved by the FDA to detect tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate) and bradycardia ( Abnormally low heart rate)

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When the KardiaMobile device was first introduced, it was allowed to measure normal sinus rhythm (normal resting heart rate) and AFib, but these two new features make AliveCor's device the first of its kind. KardiaMobile is also the only personal ECG monitor that can detect AFib above 120 beats per minute and below 40 beats per minute-the FDA approved this on Tuesday.

Tachycardia and bradycardia usually do not need to be worried-many people have a low heart rate during sleep, and daily stress can cause a high heart rate. But sometimes, these arrhythmias may indicate severe anxiety, heart disease, thyroid disease, or other health complications.

AliveCor CEO Ira Bahr said in a statement: "There is no other consumer ECG device in the world that can tell you more about your heart than KardiaMobile." "Until today, when the device marks their ECG readings as Patients always feel frustrated when they are'unclassified' or'uncertain'."

AliveCor's equipment has the potential to reduce unclassified and uncertain readings. However, even AliveCor points out that your KardiaMobile ECG readings should not replace conversations with your doctor. Instead, you should use KardiaMobile readings to notify these conversations.

You can buy KardiaMobile on the AliveCor website for $99. However, it is not recommended to use KardiaMobile with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

The device is compatible with iPhones dating back to iPhone 5, iPad, and some Android devices. You can check the compatibility on the product page.

KardiaMobile comes with a clip to fix it on the back of the smartphone. The ECG readings are stored on your phone through the Kardia app (iTunes, Google Play), and you can email the readings to your doctor through the app.

The information contained in this article is for educational and information purposes only, not as health or medical advice. For any questions you may have about your medical condition or health goals, be sure to consult a doctor or other qualified health provider.

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