The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued Medical Technologies Guidance (MTG) recommending KardiaMobile (AliveCor) as an option for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with suspected paroxysmal AF, who present with symptoms such as palpitations and are referred for ambulatory ECG monitoring by a clinician.
In a press release, AliveCor described KardiaMobile as the first personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology to be recommended by NICE for use within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. KardiaMobile would be prescribed by a healthcare professional for people experiencing arrhythmia symptoms more than 24 hours apart. The instructions for use state that all interpretations of ECG recordings are reviewed by a healthcare professional and used to support clinical decision making.
“AF diagnosis rates across the UK pre-pandemic were already too low. With difficulties in accessing in-person care and increased waiting times, concern is that diagnosis rates have fallen further, leaving thousands of people at risk of life-threatening cardiovascular complications, such as an AF-related stroke” said Matt Reed, RCEM Professor, Consultant and NRS Fellow in Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian (Edinburgh, UK). “With the NHS over-stretched, it is encouraging that NICE has recognised the value of utilising smart technology to support clinicians. Today’s recommendation of KardiaMobile—a clinically-validated digital tool to allow people to monitor their heart rhythm at home, avoiding the need for hospital appointments—is a great step forward for cardiac services.”
“Many people experience various symptoms but do not realise it may be a heart rhythm disorder such as AF. If medical attention is not sought it leaves them exposed to a much higher risk of AF-related stroke. KardiaMobile can be used to monitor a person’s heart rhythm at any time, regardless of whether or not people show signs or symptoms of AF. This ultimately means AF can be detected faster, leading to a quicker diagnosis and therefore more lives being protected against AF-related stroke and consequences of suffering with AF,” said Trudie Lobban, founder and trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance & AF Association.
KardiaMobile users start a 30-second ECG recording on their smartphone via the Kardia app, by placing two fingers from each hand on each of the two top electrodes, enabling the patient to remotely capture a medical-grade recording of their heart activity.
Commenting on the announcement, Priya Abani, CEO, AliveCor said: “AliveCor is proud to be able to offer the only NICE-recommended personal ECG to support remote cardiac care services for patients not in front of their cardiologist. Today’s recommendation not only highlights the clinical superiority of KardiaMobile against the current standard of care, but also its position as a more cost-effective solution, therefore warranting its value as a clinical tool to support rapid diagnosis of AF.”
