With the advent of automation in the healthcare industry, there is one device that interested me last year. It was a handheld ECG device that can be connected to a mobile phone.

One gets to press their fingers on a pad, and the ECG (Electro cardiogram) rhythm pattern comes up on the mobile screen.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test which measures the electrical activity of your heart to show whether or not it is working normally. An ECG records the heart’s rhythm and activity on a moving strip of paper or a line on a screen.

It was interesting to see the way automation had switched from a medical procedure to a handheld device. Reminded me of the time when we never had a way to find out our Heart Rate levels (unless we hold our pulse and check of course :)) till the Fitbit and other tracking devices made it a habit for us to check them. Now, ECG made it even more interesting!

The report published by the American College of Cardiology takes it to the next level. Apple watch (another fitness device) seems to have incorporated ECG tracking into its features!

Kardia is $99 and Apple watch is $399 🙂 Those interested in fitness devices will surely love the feature! Critical health information at your fingertips! Although, it is still being evaluated by FDA and not yet approved as a medical device. For now, if there is a need, one gets to know their readings right away and seek medical help in advance and not wait to know that they need medical care!

BIG, bold and innovative step!