Personal electrocardiogram device becomes first to be recommended for use within NHS Scotland 

AliveCor, the global leader in FDA-cleared personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology, has been issued a recommendation from The Scottish Health Technology Group (SHTG) for KardiaMobile® as an option for detecting and monitoring atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heartbeat that increases risk of stroke by 5 times¹.

Although AF is the most common form of arrhythmia, almost half of the 1.3 million people in the UK living with AF are undiagnosed ^{2, 3}. It is estimated that 2.6% of the Scottish population, which is around 143,000 people, have AF. With many being undiagnosed and up to 40% of people with AF being asymptomatic⁴, it leaves them particularly at risk of suffering the life-changing, and often devastating, effects of this serious form of stroke.

“AF diagnosis rates across the UK pre-pandemic were already too low. With difficulties in accessing in-person care and increased waiting times, concern is that diagnosis rates have fallen further, leaving thousands of people at risk of life-threatening cardiovascular complications, such as an AF-related stroke” said Professor Matt Reed, RCEM Professor, Consultant and NRS Fellow in Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian. “With the NHS over-stretched, it is encouraging that SHTG has recognised the value of utilising smart technology to support clinicians. This recommendation of KardiaMobile – a clinically-validated personal ECG device to allow people to monitor their heart rhythm at home, potentially reducing the need for hospital appointments – is a great step forward for cardiac services.”

KardiaMobile, the world’s most clinically-validated personal ECG device, is the first to be recommended by SHTG for use within NHS Scotland. Although there are several different technologies for ambulatory ECG monitoring available they often have to be fitted by a trained healthcare professional and worn continuously for a period of time.

Unlike traditional ECGs, KardiaMobile provides a compact, patchless and wireless solution that can be used anytime, anywhere. The user starts a 30-second ECG recording on their smartphone via the Kardia app – by placing two fingers from each hand on each of the two top electrodes – enabling the patient to remotely capture a medical-grade recording of their heart activity. KardiaMobile provides instant detection of AF, bradycardia and tachycardia, which are leading indicators of cardiovascular disease. KardiaMobile can also detect normal heart rhythm, offering users peace of mind.

Clinical evidence shows that significantly more people have AF detected using the KardiaMobile single-lead device compared with standard care, including 24-hour Holter monitoring^5..

With the potential to save the NHS money, offer better patient outcomes due to the chance of earlier detection, KardiaMobile can be given to patients who present symptoms such as palpitations and are referred for ambulatory ECG monitoring by a doctor.

Mrs Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance & AF Association has commented saying, “Many people experience various symptoms but do not realise it may be a heart rhythm disorder such as AF. If medical attention is not sought it leaves them exposed to a much higher risk of AF-related stroke. KardiaMobile can be used to monitor a person’s heart rhythm at any time, regardless of whether or not people show signs or symptoms of AF. This ultimately means AF can be detected faster, leading to a quicker diagnosis and therefore more lives being protected against AF-related stroke and consequences of suffering with AF,”

To find out more about KardiaMobile visit alivecor.co.uk or to view the full SHTG recommendation click here.