Resolved S4 ECG Warning (FYI)

[rugmankc]

I am not a health care professional. And in no way recommending/not recommending anything.

I have had heart disease and 2 heart attacks. Also, have Non-Continuous SVT's. Now looking at having an ICD implanted.

Have seen with AliveCor, they do not recommend using their ECG product with implanted devices.

Not sure what Apple will say.

So, I think those looking to use the ECG feature on the S4 or buy one for a family member that has an ICD should read carefully the product warnings and consult with their cardiologist.

Was hoping to use this feature and one of the reasons I was going to get the S4 over the S3. Need to wait and see on it now.

The other features on the S4 may still compel me to get it. I don't know how much better the basic heart features are on the S4 compared to the S3.

 

[oeagleo]

The other features on the S4 may still compel me to get it. I don't know how much better the basic heart features are on the S4 compared to the S3.

I am also wondering this, as I don't quite understand how the one LED can both transmit the light needed to obtain the pulse, and receive the information. Apparently, it works, somehow, and I hope it's a bit better than the current HR graphs I get during my exercises. I guess I can always strap on an external strap, but I do like the wrist heart rate capability.

 

[IllIllIll]

I am not a health care professional. And in no way recommending/not recommending anything.

I have had heart disease and 2 heart attacks. Also, have Non-Continuous SVT's. Now looking at having an ICD implanted.

Have seen with AliveCor, they do not recommend using their ECG product with implanted devices.

Not sure what Apple will say.

I'm guessing that AliveCor is just covering their own butts legally. The mere presence of a pacemaker or ICD implies that the patient already has an arrhythmia that could generate false positive results from a device/app that may not take this into account.

If you're worried that using the Apple Watch or AliveCor will somehow cause the ICD to inadvertently deliver a shock, it's not an issue. It's not possible but that won't stop frivolous lawsuits.

 

[rugmankc]

I read somewhere it puts an imperceptible current across your chest.
[doublepost=1536942986][/doublepost]Not sure how to change Resolved in Title, my mistake.
[doublepost=1536943118][/doublepost]

I'm guessing that AliveCor is just covering their own butts legally. The mere presence of a pacemaker or ICD implies that the patient already has an arrhythmia that could generate false positive results from a device/app that may not take this into account.

If you're worried that using the Apple Watch or AliveCor will somehow cause the ICD to inadvertently deliver a shock, it's not an issue. It's not possible but that won't stop frivolous lawsuits.

And your qualifications to make that statement---I wouldn't bet my or a family members life on it.

 

[IllIllIll]

I read somewhere it puts an imperceptible current across your chest.

It doesn't. It works just like any other bipolar ECG lead.

And your qualifications to make that statement---I wouldn't bet my or a family members life on it.

I'm a board certified anesthesiologist, been in practice for 15 years now. Used every kind of ECG monitoring device ever developed in the last 20 years. Also have a CS degree and currently work in medical bioinformatics, analytics, and digital health device development. I also know the guy in charge of medical sensor development at Apple, who also happens to also be an anesthesiologist and professor at Stanford University.

Is that good enough for you? What are your qualifications to be spreading around pointless FUD?

 

[rugmankc]

It is not pointless if a manufacturer states it in their precautions. And you did not state any of your qualifications. The wording in your post did not come off as a medically qualified individual. Still doesn't IMH.

And, I stated fact as to AliveCor's recommendation. Did not not recommend anyone not use it or the S4. Just to be aware of it, and check with their cardiologists.

Please don't sidetrack my thread. Let others take the info for what it is worth and make their own decisions.

BTW, I hope you are right. Wanted this feature---

 

[IllIllIll]

Yeah OK, never mind that the fact that I AM a medical professional with quite a few years of work in the industry as well as practical experience in developing and testing these devices. It appears you will only accept explanations from an official AliveCor rep. That's a ridiculous standard.

The problem is that you are making the false implication that AliveCor's recommendation that one not use their ECG device if you have an ICD stems from the possibility that it could somehow affect the function of the ICD itself. That is a patently false assumption and simply creates unnecessary concern. All I am saying is that there is a more plausible and more benign explanation for AliveCor's recommendation, based on my knowledge and understanding of basic cardiac electrophysiology and how ECG electrodes work. If you're going to spread unnecessary fear among laypeople here, then the burden is on YOU to present your qualifications to prove you know what you're talking about. It's quite clear that you don't.

I'm not sidetracking your thread, I'm just putting a damper on the sensationalism you're trying to create.

 

[tromboneaholic]

I don't quite understand how the one LED can both transmit the light needed to obtain the pulse, and receive the information.

It doesn't.