Smartphones get a lot of bad press, but when it comes to keeping a close on your health, they have literally been able to save lives. The KardiaMobile 6L allows you to keep an eye on your heart heath without trolley full of medical equipment. It is about the size of a packet of chewing gum, capable of recording six lead electrocardiograms in just 30 seconds, making it one of the most capable consumer ECG heart monitors available. It is also trusted by the NHS and recommended in the NICE guidelines.
Unlike single lead ECG devices, the KardiaMobile 6L records six leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF), providing a far more detailed view of your heart’s electrical activity. To take a reading, simply place two fingers on the top electrodes and rest the bottom electrode against your left knee or ankle. The results are transmitted via Bluetooth to the Kardia app on your smartphone, where they can be viewed immediately or shared with your GP or cardiologist if needed.
The device can detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AF), bradycardia and tachycardia in compatible regions, while premium KardiaCare subscribers gain access to additional analysis tools, clinician reviews and long-term trend tracking. It works with most modern iOS and Android devices and is powered by a replaceable CR2016 coin cell battery, which typically lasts for around 200 hours of recording time.
Using the KardiaMobile 6L couldn’t be much simpler. Readings take around half a minute, the app is intuitive, and the compact design means it can live in a pocket, handbag or glovebox ready whenever you need it. It’s particularly useful for people who experience occasional palpitations that may have disappeared long before they reach a clinic.
It is worth remembering that this is a screening and monitoring device rather than a replacement for professional medical assessment. It won’t detect every heart condition, and some advanced features sit behind a KardiaCare subscription. Even so, the combination of clinical grade ECG technology, portability and ease of use makes the KardiaMobile 6L a great tool for monitoring heart rhythm at home. It’s a remarkably clever bit of kit that offers reassurance without becoming intimidating. RRP £149
- World’s first CE-marked, FDA-cleared, 6-lead personal ECG
- Records 6-lead ECGs in just 30 seconds
- Compact and highly portable
- Bluetooth connectivity with easy-to-use app
- Simple to share recordings with healthcare professionals
- Long battery life from a replaceable CR2016 battery
- Not a substitute for professional diagnosis
- Some advanced features require a KardiaCare subscription
- Cannot detect every type of heart condition
- Requires a compatible smartphone to use
