Submitted via IRC for ErnestTBass
The FDA just cleared an iPhone ECG sensor that beats the Apple Watch
Apple Watch wearers and fitness enthusiasts were ecstatic when Apple Watch Series 4 came out with a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor that detects irregular heart rate. And rightfully so -- early detection of atrial fibrillation (AFib) could prevent a serious medical event.
Now, a tiny smartphone accessory from life sciences company AliveCor goes two steps further: The KardiaMobile EKG Monitor detects tachycardia (unusually high heart rate) and bradycardia (unusually low heart rate).
[...] Tachycardia and bradycardia aren't often anything to worry about -- many people experience a low heart rate during sleep and daily stress can cause a high heart rate. But sometimes, these heart arrhythmias can be indicative of severe anxiety, heart disease, thyroid conditions or other health complications.
"No other consumer ECG device in the world can tell you more about your heart than KardiaMobile," said Ira Bahr, AliveCor CEO, in a statement. "Until today, patients have been frustrated when devices label their ECG reading as 'unclassified' or 'inconclusive.'"
AliveCor's device has the potential to reduce those unclassified and inconclusive readings. However, even AliveCor points out that your KardiaMobile EKG readings shouldn't replace conversations with your doctor. Rather, you should use the KardiaMobile readings to inform those conversations.
(Score: 2) by HiThere on Monday April 29 2019, @04:40PM (3 children)
It's fine to say "talk to your doctor", but what are the false positive and false negative rates? Why should it be considered better than, say, the "Magic Eightball".
Javascript is what you use to allow unknown third parties to run software you have no idea about on your computer.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Monday April 29 2019, @05:29PM (2 children)
Now if that actually means something is wrong with you, well, that's where the "talk to your doctor".
(Score: 2) by HiThere on Monday April 29 2019, @05:56PM (1 child)
Eehhhh.... electrical reading devices tend to have a very large error rate except when used in carefully used conditions. This is true even of professional level devices, but for "consumer grade" devices....welllll....I wasn't really exaggerating too much when I compared what a poor device might return to the "Magic Eightball". If they don't reveal the false positive and false negative expectations, then that's probably because they're nearly worthless, but the FDA doesn't make them admit that.
Javascript is what you use to allow unknown third parties to run software you have no idea about on your computer.
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Tuesday April 30 2019, @01:10PM