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Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN — Written by Rachael Zimlich — Updated on July 18, 2022 You don’t need to purchase a very expensive ECG monitoring device for home use. Several reliable ECG monitors are clinically approved. We compared these ECG monitors based on:
Some devices have specific applications. For example, some are made to be wearable or portable. Several models also have connectivity features that can allow you to view your results from a smartphone or share them with a healthcare professional. All of them have at least some type of data recording function. Pricing guideWe indicate price using the following scale:
Cheapest ECG monitor for home useAliveCor KardiaMobile EKG
Best wireless ECG monitorOmron Complete Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor + EKG
Cheapest medical-grade ECGEko DUO ECG + Digital StethoscopeBest portable medical-grade ECGBiocare 12-Lead ECG Machine
Smallest ECG monitorKardiaMobile 6L EKG
Best wearable ECG monitorWellue Portable EKG Monitor
Clinical or hospital-grade ECG monitors have leads, wires, and devices called electrodes. A healthcare professional will tape the electrodes to different parts of your body to measure your heart rhythm. Home or personal-use ECGs, which are a type of consumer electronics, typically have sensors built into them. You can hold one or two fingers against the sensors or wear the sensors on your wrist or body. The sensors are like electrodes that pick up and record your heart’s electrical activity. Some personal-use ECG devices have built-in screens so you can see your heart rhythm on the monitor. Other devices connect to a smartphone or computer application where you can record, view, store, and share your ECG readings. When shopping for an ECG monitor for at-home use, look for one that is approved, or at least reviewed, by the FDA or another health organization. Choose a personal-use ECG device that’s easy to use. If you have a heart condition, you may wish to use a medical-grade ECG monitor. However, many of these devices require a healthcare professional, such as a home-care nurse, to use and read them. Compact personal-use ECG devices begin at about $50 and go up to $300 or more depending on the brand and model. Clinical and hospital-grade ECG monitors typically begin at around $200 and can go up to several thousand dollars each. Pricing for an ECG monitor depends on the type, grade, brand, and features. ECGs made for personal or home use are cheaper than those made for clinical or hospital use. Some smaller and cheaper medical-grade ECG devices can be used at home if you have a home-care nurse or another healthcare professional who visits regularly. Personal-use ECG monitors often give a close reading of your heart rhythm and rate. They may have one or two leads, or points of contact on your body. Clinical or hospital-grade ECGs, on the other hand, use 12 leads, so they’re more sensitive. This means personal-use ECGs pick up electrical signals from your heart, but not as accurately as the device your doctor uses. Personal-use ECGs can also be inaccurate if you have sweat or moisture on your skin, or don’t use them exactly as instructed. Several smartwatches and other wearable devices can also provide data about your heart health, but these are often limited in their ability to detect abnormal heart rhythms. A portable ECG device will give your doctor the detailed information they need to diagnose cardiac issues. For these reasons, don’t panic if your personal-use ECG gives you an unusual reading. Take more readings and send the measurements to your doctor via email, if possible. Your doctor can double-check any strange heart readings with a more accurate ECG. If you’ve ever had an ECG reading at your doctor’s office, you know that you have to be very still while the device measures your heart rhythm. Here are some tips on how to take more accurate readings with a personal-use ECG:
Keep in mind that some personal-use ECGs might not always pick up slight or brief changes in your heart rhythm. So it’s important to get regular checkups and tell your doctor about any symptoms you might have — no matter what your ECG readings say. There are many types of heart monitors. Some can deliver an ECG reading while others can only record minimal heart data or create alerts for abnormal rhythms. Talk with your doctor about your individual cardiac health needs and what type of monitor is best for you. What is a normal read on an ECG monitor?Sinus rhythm is the normal reading you should see on an ECG. With this reading, the waves on the ECG are equal in size and shape, predictable, and regular. With normal sinus rhythm, your heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. How do I know if I need an ECG monitor at home?Talk with your doctor if you have:
These may be symptoms of a heart condition. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan. This may include using an ECG monitor. While many of these devices can provide an immediate reading, it’s important for a doctor to be involved in caring for and monitoring any heart conditions you may have. Can an ECG monitor detect a heart attack?Most home ECG monitors cannot accurately detect a heart attack. Instead, these devices detect abnormal heart rates and rhythms that could be a precursor to a number of cardiac events. Your doctor can use a medical-grade, 12-lead ECG to observe subtle changes in your heart rhythm to diagnose both new and old cardiac events. A home or personal-use ECG can be a helpful tool if you have a condition that might affect your heart rate and rhythm. If your device notifies you of an irregular heart rhythm, let your doctor know immediately. Don’t hesitate to get medical attention if you have symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain with an irregular reading. A personal-use ECG monitor won’t be as accurate as a clinical or hospital-grade ECG machine. These machines are meant to enhance the information your doctor can use to manage your condition, but they are not a replacement for regular medical care. Last medically reviewed on July 18, 2022 |