heart2222: I forget where I got it. Here is the cheapest I found. It comes with a slot for an SD card for use on the computer:

http://www.wholesalepoint.com/product/Omron-HCG-801.aspx

I don't think there is a newer model It is simple to use btw. It only tells you that you have an abnormal rhythm (the message), but it is simple to see it is afib.

petey

Thanks, Petey!

Does your doc accept the results on it the same as the EKG he gets in the office?

I don't even have a doc now, just a regular cardio. My EP's have discharged me.

Would it be able to tell the difference between a fib and a tachy?
I don't think I would be able to read the ECG's that well.

when you download the info off the card to the computer, do you actually see the EKG strips?

I know you talked about this machine a lot. I need to search for all your past threads.

Thanks!

The Omron you mentioned has great reviews. I went with Medchoice MD100E because I wanted to be able to record long runs. I use the electrodes with mine along with my laptop. I showed my doc the results a while back when his staff didn't believe me, even though I've had this for over ten years, when I said I was still having the AFIB. Anyway, he said the print outs were the best ones he had seen from the portable monitors. I bought mine off EBAY straight from the manufacture. (thanks petey) I bid lower on the price and they accepted.

I have both the OMRON and the Medchoice 100E. I'm too lazy to use the Medchoice though. The OMRON is easier faster. Look at post # 16 on this URL: http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/irregular-heart-beat-atrial-fibrillation#axzz2nDub51Jz Anyone can see afib in comparison with NSR. Look at this page to see the P, QRS, and T waves: http://www.baylorhearthospital.com/afib_Heart_Conduction_System.html This page has all the different arrhythmias... just look at the afib trace. You can click on it to get it larger. I really like this afib strip better than the other one above because only the P wave is missing (and replaced by a squiggly line): http://quizlet.com/7642810/310-cardiac-study-guide-flash-cards/
Also note that the heartbeat (the QRS wave) is irregular (fast/slow)

My doctor loves that I take readings. She doesn't look at them though because we already know I have afib and it is always the same.


petey

I like the Omron. Easy to use, you can tell whether you are in NSR, or afib, or NSR with occasional PACs or PVCs. But you have to look at the 30 sec strip, and do not rely on the summary regular/irregular heart beat. A strip with NSR and a single PAC will be summarized as "irregular heart beat", same summary you get with afib.

I asked my regular cardiologist about this Omron. His nurse called me back and said not to buy it. He could just ask for an event monitor if I need it. I mentioned to her that insurance won't pay for it.

I'm still considering it though. Thanks for all of your input!

Heart222,
Did your cardiologist say why he/she does not like the Omron?
I have an Omron, and I also used few times a 14 days event monitor, in particular the Zio-patch. I think you get comparable ecg info, both are 1 lead monitors. You definitely get less info than from a regular 12 lead ecg,, but you get enough info to know whether you are in afib.
The Omron enables you to check at any time your heart with a 30 sec run. An event monitor like the Zio-patch checks your heart for something like 14 days in a row. A single Zio-patch run costs about twice the Omron. And you can transfer the Omron strips to a computer and show them to your cardiologist.

ecofr,
I had to ask the doc thru his nurse. When I asked the nurse these type of questions, she didn't know. Just said not worth the expense, he could just order an event monitor. So , can't get much info.

The doctor wants the event monitor so he can control the reading. Event monitors are used for a period of time (I think the patch is read by someone also). When they "order" an event monitor, you are paying big bucks to essentially "rent" the use of it. I like seeing it for myself.

so true, Petey, so true.