The task of an ECG monitor is pretty simple. It takes account of your heart’s activity. This includes heart rate and rhythm. The device shows the information gathered in a wave-like form.
There are ECG monitors you can use at home that provide information understandably and more easily. Such devices are available for purchase online. You can check the online shopping profiles of some companies if you are not sure they have the right device you are looking for. Aside from that, medically inclined websites such as the Wellue blog can help you with credible recommendations.
However, we will look at some things you need to know about ECG monitors for home use. This will help you make better decisions when buying one you can rely on to keep track of your heart’s wellbeing in the comfort of your home.
· Why do you require an ECG monitor at home?
These devices help keep a close eye on your heart’s performance. That is the main purpose of the equipment. However, some ECG monitors help do other things like measuring blood pressure.
You need an ECG monitor at home if you have some heart problems. This will make keeping track of your heart’s performance a frequent and necessary activity. Other reasons you may want to keep track of your heart’s performance include pregnancy, stress, exercise, and more.
· Are Clinical ECGs better than Home ECGs?
Clinical ECG monitors comprise wires and electrodes attached to various parts of your body to keep track of your heart’s performance. But such components are absent in personal or home ECGs. Instead, they have in-built sensors. All you need to do is place a finger or two on the sensors or put them on certain parts of the body. These sensors have similar working capabilities to electrodes and track the heart’s activity.
Some of these home monitors also come with visuals showing the heart rhythm for you to see. Some are compatible with mobile phones or other digital devices. They use digital applications to detect, read, record, and share data.
· Are home ECG monitors reliable?
Home ECG monitors are pretty reliable. The readings they record are near-accurate. However, clinical ECGs give better readings because they are more sensitive. This does not mean that personal ECGs still do not work well.
Sometimes, the readings are affected by moisture or sweat on the body. That is why it is advisable to clean any body part through which you intend to take readings. Improper usage can also affect the accuracy of data obtained.
· What type of home ECG monitor should I buy?
There is no need to go all out and purchase a personal ECG monitor at an exorbitant price. There are many credible ECG monitors endorsed by medical experts that won’t cost you a fortune.
Thus, buying expensive ECG monitors doesn’t necessarily translate to obtaining accurate results. Instead, things you need to consider when buying such devices include portability, ease of use, cost, battery life, connectivity features, etc.
· Are home ECGs expensive?
Home ECG monitors are of various types. Thus, prices depend on the components and capabilities. ECGs that do other activities aside from heart monitoring will cost higher. Those with higher connectivity features or extensive battery life will also cost more. However, regular home ECGs usually cost as low as $50. You can find ECGs for as high as $300 and more. Clinical ECGs are more expensive than home or personal ECGs.
Conclusion
With the knowledge above, you have a good idea of how to go about getting a personal ECG monitor for yourself if and when you require one.