Home EKG monitor devices and wearable ECG monitor devices have revolutionized heart health management. They can be useful for individuals experiencing symptoms like palpitations or dizziness, as they allow for the brief recording of potential irregularities. However, these devices have limitations that can leave significant cardiac risks undetected, especially for those who are asymptomatic. For those at risk of developing heart disease, like those with a family history of heart disease or with a chronic illness, HeartSecure™ offers a convenient 10-day direct-to-consumer comprehensive heart health screening. Explore more about the benefits of HeartSecure™ below.
The Home EKG Monitor and Wearable Devices: Practical but Limited
Most home EKG monitor devices are user-initiated and are designed to capture electrical activity in the heart through a small number of leads, typically one or two. Single-lead devices are easy to use and convenient for monitoring heart activity during symptomatic episodes. However, home EKG monitor devices that are less than 3 leads are limited in the number of arrhythmias they can detect.
Similarly, wearable devices, such as an ECG watch, typically rely on photoplethysmography (PPG)and are user-initiated. PPG ECG monitor devices measure blood flow using optical sensors, which can be less accurate in detecting subtle heart abnormalities. These devices are also prone to motion artifacts and variability due to skin tone or external lighting conditions, which can impact their reliability. PPG technology is also limited in its ability to detect conditions, like silent arrhythmias, or provide multi-lead data for a comprehensive heart health assessment.
User-initiated devices are only activated for a brief period of time when the user starts the screening. This means they are typically started when users have noticeable symptoms, such as palpitations or dizziness. Silent conditions like arrhythmias or early signs of cardiovascular disease that occur without any obvious warning signs can subsequently be missed. Multi-lead EKG monitor solutions, such as those offered by Biotricity, provide a more detailed view of heart function and are continuous (24/7 heart monitoring), making them better suited for detecting heart abnormalities.
Why Comprehensive Cardiac Monitoring Is Essential for Asymptomatic Individuals
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases are difficult to diagnose because they are intermittent and patients may be asymptomatic, especially in early stages. For example, approximately 1/3rd of people with atrial fibrillation had no symptoms. Silent arrhythmias, structural abnormalities, or other early indicators may be missed without extended and detailed screening.
For asymptomatic individuals, periodic screenings using advanced cardiac monitoring tools can identify risks that a 1- or 2-lead home EKG monitor device and wearable, like an ECG watch, might not detect. A comprehensive home heart test, like HeartSecure™ , should continuously monitor heart function over an extended period. With HeartSecure™, a state-of-the-art compact 3-lead EKG monitor device is sent directly to the individual’s home. This convenient comprehensive screening service provides 24/7 continuous monitoring of the heart’s during normal daily activities for 10-days. Results are reviewed by a top cardiologist and are available to the user within 5 days because the EKG monitor device is connected and the ECG monitor device is then mailed back with the included pre-paid envelope. This home heart monitor test is particularly crucial for those with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of CVD.
The HeartSecure™ Advantage
Biotricity’s HeartSecure™ is a game-changer for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. Designed to bridge the gap between home EKG monitor devices and clinical diagnostics, HeartSecure™ offers a 10-day, at-home heart health screening. Unlike user-initiated 1- or 2- lead EKG monitor devices or wearables that require user activation during symptoms, HeartSecure™ collects continuous and detailed heart activity data over the entire 10-day period.
This extended monitoring is reviewed by a top cardiologist, offering a professional evaluation of your heart health. The results can be shared with your care team to guide proactive management and treatment strategies. By focusing on comprehensive data collection, HeartSecure™ is particularly effective in detecting silent cardiac conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Case for Annual Screening
Heart disease is largely preventable; up to 80% of premature cardiovascular disease are preventable with early detection and intervention. Despite this, nearly 90% of adults in the United States are at risk for CVD due to factors like lifestyle, genetics, and pre-existing conditions. Annual screenings with HeartSecure ™ empower individuals to identify and address potential risks before they escalate.
Even in the absence of symptoms, it’s essential to understand your heart health. Annual screenings with Biotricity’s HeartSecure™ can uncover hidden risks, providing you and your healthcare provider with the information needed to act early. Take control of your heart health today—because prevention starts with awareness.
To learn more about Biotricity’s 10-day at home heart health testing service, HeartSecure™, click here.
