Evaluation of a smartphone-based six‑lead ECG for clinical electrocardiography in cats

Smartphone-based electrocardiographic devices (smECGs) are promising tools for both human and veterinary medicine, as they provide greater portability convenience and ease of use than standard methods. Although six‑lead smECG devices have been studied in dogs, there is currently no research on their application in cats. This prospective observational study thus evaluates a six‑lead smECG device in feline clinical practice. A total of forty cats underwent simultaneous ECG recordings with a standard ECG (stECG) and the six‑lead smECG. Heart rhythm was assessed; heart rate, P- and R-wave amplitudes, wave and interval durations and the QRS mean electrical axis were measured. The Bland-Altman plot and Cohen's κ test were used to assess the agreement between the devices. All smECG traces were evaluable. The smECG showed perfect agreement with the stECG in heart rhythm diagnosis (κ = 1) and QRS axis deviation (κ = 1). No clinically significant differences in heart rate or wave and interval duration were observed between the devices. However, the smECG tended to underestimate the P- and R-wave amplitude. The six‑lead smECG device was easy to use and reliable in cats, providing an accurate assessment of heart rhythm and ECG parameters. This tool shows promise for integration into feline clinical practice.