The evolution of technology has allowed heart rate monitoring devices to become smaller and smaller, putting them within the reach of each individual whether through a cell phone, small dedicated devices or even watches that allow continuous monitoring of the rhythm and performing an ECG.
There are two main forms of monitoring, one of which is based on plethysmography, either by light and cell phone cameras, sensors attached to fingertips, or on watches. This plethysmography technique allows even non-purpose cell phones to obtain a reasonably accurate heart rate reading, allowing heart rate counting and identification of rhythm irregularities that may be associated with atrial fibrillation. However, it is important to note that whenever an arrhythmia is detected in plethysmography-based devices, it must be confirmed by electrocardiogram.
Here is a free AFib monitor apps—”AFibCheck”，which can be downloaded and used after searching in the mobile app store.
The second way, more precise, but requiring adapted or dedicated devices, consists of reading the electrocardiogram itself. The devices contain electrodes that allow the capture of electrical signals from the heart, being able to record two leads when there are only two electrodes. This technology associated with artificial intelligence systems allows, in addition to recording the ECG, its interpretation, being able to alert the patient of the appearance of atrial fibrillation, high or low heartbeats.
Plus1Health has a Holter ECG,it is compact and exquisite, easy to carry, and can monitor for up to 24 hours in real-time, record abnormal situations, automatically generate electrocardiogram and report analysis.
Recently, the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) prepared, with the contribution of LAHRS, a document entitled “How to use digital devices to detect and manage arrhythmias: “a practical guide for EHRA”，where the characteristics and applications of these devices are described, discussed in a very interesting and in-depth way, including recommendations based on expert consensus are presented in this document.
Regarding the monitoring of Atrial Fibrillation , the intermittent use of these devices is indicated and is beneficial in people over 75 years of age, and they can also be used in people over 65 years of age with comorbidities that increase the risk of stroke. In younger or lower-risk individuals, sporadic screening can be performed, but in these cases, due to the very low incidence of AF, they have low detection rates.
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