What is the difference between a heart attack and an arrhythmia?
A heart attack is a blood-flow problem — a blocked artery starving heart muscle of oxygen. An arrhythmia is an electrical problem — the heart beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly, such as atrial fibrillation. They can occur together, but they are diagnosed and treated differently.What can a single-lead home EKG detect?
A personal EKG records the heart’s electrical rhythm from a single lead. It is designed to screen for rhythm issues — including AFib, a fast rate (tachycardia), or a slow rate (bradycardia) — and to capture a tracing you can show your doctor. See normal heart rate and rhythm for what typical looks like.Why can’t it diagnose a heart attack?
Diagnosing a heart attack typically requires a 12-lead EKG (which views the heart from many angles) plus blood tests for cardiac enzymes. A single-lead device sees only one view and cannot rule a heart attack in or out. Never use a normal home reading to talk yourself out of seeking emergency care for heart-attack symptoms.How should I use my home EKG readings?
Use them to document symptoms — capturing a tracing during palpitations, for instance, gives your doctor valuable information they’d otherwise miss between visits. See heart palpitations and bring your recordings to appointments. The device informs your care; it does not replace your clinician.When should I see a doctor (non-emergency)?
Make an appointment if you have frequent palpitations, recurring irregular readings, episodes of feeling your heart race or skip, or fatigue and breathlessness with these symptoms. A cardiologist can interpret your tracings in context.A personal EKG is a screening and documentation tool, not a diagnostic replacement for clinical testing. When symptoms are severe or sudden, choose emergency care over a home reading every time.