What to know about a WiFi ECG machine

An ECG Machine uses skin electrodes to detect electrical activity produced as the heart beats. WiFi may allow a tracing to be transferred to a clinical record or reviewed from another location. The wireless connection does not replace correct electrode placement, a good-quality recording or medical judgement. An electrocardiogram can show a rhythm at the time it is recorded, yet symptoms that come and go may need other forms of assessment.

Follow the device instructions, keep the skin contact areas clean and still while the recording is being made, and make sure any result reaches the intended healthcare team. Tell the clinician about palpitations, chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, medicines and the activity taking place when symptoms started. Do not use a normal-looking tracing to dismiss ongoing symptoms, and do not change prescribed heart medicines based on a device result alone.

Seek emergency care for chest pressure or pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, new confusion, or a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat with feeling unwell. If symptoms are mild but recurrent, arrange a prompt clinical review even if a home or workplace recording appears unremarkable. Bring the recording if it can be shared securely, along with the date, time and symptoms experienced.

Ask what the ECG showed, whether the tracing quality was adequate, and whether the result explains the symptoms. Ask whether repeat recordings, blood tests, rhythm monitoring or an in-person assessment would add useful information.