If your family has a history of heart conditions or if you’ve been diagnosed with one yourself, finding the best home ECG monitor can help you check on your heart. At your local GP or hospital, you may see an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical activity of your heart, including the rate and rhythm. At-home ECGs are referred to as EKGs - and are a little different to the ones you find at the hospital. They can be a handy home health gadget – quick, non-invasive and painless for heart health concerns.
You may be wondering: can you do an ECG at home? Well, yes, there are devices available that can track your heart rhythm at home similar to an ECG, says Julie Ward, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation. She adds that these at-home monitors can help track heart rate and rhythm, to see if there are any abnormalities, making it an ideal gadget to have if you "have already been diagnosed with a heart condition to monitor your situation." With Julie's expertise, we have answered all of your questions.
Best home ECG monitor at a glance
• Best home ECG monitor: KardiaMobile Personal EKG Device – view on Amazon UK
• Versatile EKG monitor: OMRON Home Blood Pressure and ECG Monitor – view on Amazon UK
• Fitness watch with EKG features: Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Tracker – view at Boots
But, are home ECG machines any good? Well, research led by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian confirmed that a “smartphone-based ECG recorder is five times more effective at diagnosing heart rhythm problems than standard tests,” the British Heart Foundation reports. The AliveCor® KardiaMobile diagnosed the cause of palpitations – which are “temporary but noticeable rapid or irregular fluttering of the heartbeat” - in over "40 per cent more patients than standard tests alone".
If you’re wondering how to monitor with an ECG at home, you’ve come to the right place. In our no-nonsense, jargon-free guide, we have found the best EKG monitors to help you track your heart health. ECGs aren’t the only home health gadget to help with your heart. Having a blood pressure monitor at home could prove useful. High blood pressure can be hereditary and the symptoms are hard to spot. Below, we have found the best at-home ECG machines and EKG monitors.
Best home ECG monitor UK
Best home ECG monitor
AliveCor's KardiaMobile is a portable EKG monitor that helps you take control of your heart health. It provides accurate, medical-grade EKG readings anytime, anywhere. Compact and user-friendly, KardiaMobile seamlessly integrates with your smartphone, offering a convenient and reliable solution for monitoring and managing your heart's rhythm. No wires or patches - just contact with the monitor.
Customer review: "Bought this as recommended by the heart consultant. My husband has AF. The consultant recommended this for taking daily readings, which the consultant could then go into the history of after 6 months to get a more accurate day-to-day picture of what was going on. You can also add notes to each reading so a pattern can be detected (i.e. what exercise/food/events had happened that day). Ridiculously easy to use, and you can email a PDF of the results too. No need to pay for a subscription either if you just want to take and store the readings."
Pros
- Make taking an ECG part of your daily routine
- KardiaMobile is the most clinically validated EKG
- Readings will be automatically saved to your phone
Cons
- Requires a smartphone for results
Versatile EKG monitor
Keep tabs on your heart health effortlessly with the OMRON Home Blood Pressure and ECG Monitor for convenient home use. It offers a hassle-free way to monitor conditions and prompt timely action. Developed with AliveCor's expertise, it boasts an advanced algorithm for AFib detection. Store up to 90 blood pressure readings on the device, and connect via Bluetooth or through the free OMRON Connect app. Stay on top of your heart health with this 2-in-1 machine, a versatile gadget.
Customer review: "As a medical first responder, having accurate and comparable readings is great; seeing the last and most recent reading on screen is great. This helps when looking at a patient observation, and the ability to go back prior is important when recording on a PFR. The cuff is hard and not soft for a tight, solid fit. Overall, I was very impressed! The Bluetooth connection is hit-and-miss, but the app is great. However, I don't use the Bluetooth option."
Pros
- A versatile 2-in-1 blood pressure monitor and EKG
- Download the free-to-use OMRON app for tracking health
- Screens for AFIB to avoid the risk of stroke and heart disease
Cons
- The Bluetooth connection is hit-and-miss
Premium home ECG monitor
If you need a more in-depth look at your heart health, the KardiaMobile 6L Personal EKG could be best. The 6-lead EKG gives your healthcare provider more detailed heart information - with visibility to certain arrhythmias - which can lead to cardiovascular disease. It provides accurate, medical-grade EKG readings anytime, anywhere. It integrates with your smartphone - with the free KardiaMobile app, offering a convenient and reliable solution for monitoring and managing your heart's rhythm.
Customer review: "I bought this for my dad who is suffering from AF. He was admitted to the hospital recently and is now taking different medications, so this is a really useful tool to keep an eye on his heart at home. Is it as accurate as a hospital EKG machine? No, but it reads much better than a smartwatch which is all we need at home. Main downside for buying this device is the app, where you have to pay an extra monthly fee to get more info about the EKG readings it takes. To be honest I haven't paid for the app as the basic info is fine. If you want more than just the basic EKG reading then you will have to pay for the app which is something to consider before buying."
Pros
- The 6L model offers 6 times the data at your fingertips
- Make taking an ECG part of your daily routine
- KardiaMobile is the most clinically validated EKG
Cons
- A subscription is required with this 6L model
Compatible with your PC
Monitor your heart health with the EMAY Bluetooth Portable ECG/EKG Monitor. This compact device provides real-time EKG recordings through a smartphone app or on PDFs, helping you keep track of your cardiovascular well-being. With Bluetooth and laptop connectivity, convenience meets precision. This device makes heart health monitoring accessible and straightforward. Stay in the know with EMAY.
Customer review: "Wonderful product! Very easy to use, just hold gently on the sides and it takes a 30-second recording. Easily communicates with iPhone via Bluetooth and a report can be downloaded. It is very accurate too. I compared my readings to those taken recently at a medical review. Considering the potentially long wait to be seen on the NHS and the alternative of paying GBP 200 for a private medical appointment, this is a bargain. Good to check our elderly relations and friends for Atrial Fibrillation, which is a risk factor for stroke."
Pros
- Compatible with smartphones and computers
- Take a 30-second EKG in two hands without wires
- Compact model - great for slipping your handbag
Cons
- Does not notify you when it detects AFiB- but you can interpret yourself from the results
Fitness watch with EKG features
www.boots.com
Achieve your health goals with Fitbit Inspire 3 Fitness Tracker, a compact fitness tracker that monitors your heart rate, stress levels, and sleep patterns. The Fitbit app provides valuable insights, allowing you to pursue a healthier lifestyle. With Health Metrics tracking and a 10-day battery life, it's your perfect companion for well-rounded well-being. Do what you love and feel your best.
Customer review: "After having a Fitbit Charge for many years, I decided to replace it with either a smartwatch or a new fitness tracker. My research showed that many of these were very large, roughly double the size of my old Fitbit. These would be too big for my wrist and I didn’t want to message or email on my device - my iPhone is perfect for that. I love my new Fitbit Inspire 3 as it’s dainty and feminine on my wrist but has all the features I want including several more than my old Fitbit had.
"I use the step counter, the exercise tracker, the message & email notification, the sleep monitor, the fluid intake monitor and the calorie tracker. I also love the find your phone button and all the time and timer features. The Fitbit links through Bluetooth to my phone apps and even to my earbuds. It lasts well over a week between charges too. I couldn’t be more happy with it, and the price on special offer at Boots was incredible."
Pros
- Track your resting heart rate (and more!) for peace of mind
- Little charging is required as the battery lasts for up to 10 days of battery life
- Thin and lightweight wrist strap to ensure comfortable wearing
Cons
- Not to diagnose or treat any medical condition - just monitor
Verdict: What is the best home ECG/EKG monitor?
Our favourite is the clinically-proven KardiaMobile Personal EKG Device. User-friendly and compact, it's a simple at-home ECG option. With no wires or patches, it's straightforward and smartphone-compatible.
FAQs
What’s a normal heart rate?
Generally, a normal adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 bpm while resting, says the British Heart Foundation. However, your heart rate is unique. What is 'normal' for you will likely be different to someone else due to age and health. The heart charity adds that factors such as whether you exercise, if you smoke, and how much alcohol you drink will affect your heart rate.
You can find your normal resting heart rate by counting the number of times your heart beats in a minute. Knowing your normal resting heart rate could be the push you need to improve your quality of life. With an ECG, you may discover an arrhythmia – where your heart can beat too slow or fast.
Fast heart rates, known as tachycardia, are typically above 100 bpm. It’s often caused by health conditions – like anaemia or an overactive thyroid. If your resting heart rate is abnormally high or you’re experiencing symptoms, we suggest booking an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Symptoms of tachycardia can include fainting, feeling very tired, dizziness, palpitations
Slow heart rates, known as bradycardia, are typically below 60 bpm. According to The British Heart Foundation, a slow heart rate can be normal for “people like athletes who are very fit". Though some of us may get a few hours of exercise a week in, we’re likely not on the level of Olympic athletes. If you have a slow heart rate and are experiencing symptoms like fainting and tiredness, see your GP.
Are home EKG monitors accurate?
Not completely - says Senior Nurse, Julie Ward.
Though they can prove useful for detecting issues with your heart's rate and rhythm, giving you that push to go see a GP about how you're feeling, home ECG monitors are not 100 per cent accurate. This is mostly due to them being less sensitive than ECGs you find in the hospital. There may be more research to come.
Importantly, she adds: "It cannot diagnose or detect heart attacks and should not be a replacement to getting your health checked by a healthcare professional."
Would an EKG show heart disease?
Unfortunately, a home ECG won't be able to show that. Though smart, they aren't able to diagnose you. They simply show whether you have an abnormal rhythm or heart rate. Julie says that any sign of heart disease would have to be "further confirmed by your doctor who can then carry out further investigations, if needed, to determine any underlying reason for these readings."
Any tips on monitoring your heart rate at home?
Julie has a few tips on how to get accurate readings with your new gadget:
• Sit back and get relaxed
• Don't monitor after exercising or doing strenuous physical activities
• Make sure your skin is dry so the device can detect heart readings easily
• Make sure the device does not get wet
Meet the experts:
Julie Ward, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation. Julie has held this position for over 10 years, offering her expertise to the renowned British Heart Foundation - and media publications.
She adds: "If your at-home ECG shows abnormal readings and you are experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pains whilst having an abnormal reading then contact NHS 111 or the emergency services."
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.