Review of current ECG consumer electronics (pros and cons)

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Health

Background:

• Wearable, medical-grade consumer electrocardiogram (ECG) devices are increasingly integrated into consumer electronics.
• These devices include multi-sensor fitness watches, patches, and sensor plates, often connecting to smartphones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review exemplary modern consumer ECG devices.
• To analyze device types, recording methods, and derived ECG channel numbers.

Main Methods:

• Review of exemplary consumer ECG devices.
• Categorization based on device type, recording method, and derived ECG channels.

Main Results:

• Single-channel devices (e.g., smartwatches) detect atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias but have limited recording duration and information content compared to 12-lead ECGs.
• Some non-watch devices derive 6 limb leads, increasing information, but none reliably detect ST-segment deviations indicative of myocardial infarction or ischemia.
• Barriers to use persist for elderly individuals, and a universal data exchange format is lacking.

Conclusions:

• Consumer ECG devices reliably detect atrial fibrillation, potentially aiding stroke prevention in high-risk groups, though prospective evidence is pending.
• Six-channel devices and longer data collection enhance functionality for monitoring ST-segments and QT intervals.
• Current devices are insufficient for myocardial infarction/ischemia detection; portable 12-channel technologies are desired, alongside traditional diagnostics for definitive diagnosis.